Lewis Hamilton has faced a challenging start to the 2025 season in his debut year with Ferrari, struggling to deliver strong performances while teammate Charles Leclerc has consistently outpaced him. The seven-time world champion must significantly improve his results in the second half of the season to regain competitiveness and confidence within the Scuderia team. Former Formula 1 driver Christian Danner has commented on Hamilton’s difficult transition, highlighting the potential underestimation of the Ferrari challenge by the British driver.
Hamilton’s Struggle to Adapt and Admit Shortcomings at Ferrari
The 40-year-old Lewis Hamilton has openly acknowledged his difficulties in adapting to Ferrari’s SF-25 car, particularly after the recent Hungarian Grand Prix, which appeared to be a breaking point for him. He has also expressed missing his previous team, Mercedes, as unexpected issues have hampered his performances with the Italian outfit. Despite Hamilton’s candid reflections on his struggles, Christian Danner believes that the driver did not fully anticipate the extent of the challenges he would encounter at Maranello.
Danner emphasized that a driver’s potential is limited if the car does not provide the required pace and handling. He pointed to Hamilton’s lack of impact on developing the SF-25, which has been evident in his results. Drawing a parallel, Danner referenced Michael Schumacher’s difficult period at Mercedes, illustrating how even great drivers can be undermined by underperforming cars.
If a driver doesn’t get what he expects from the car, he can’t reach his potential. Think of Michael Schumacher at Mercedes. There, too, the car simply wasn’t right.
Christian Danner told ran.de
Choices Ahead: Hamilton’s Path Within Ferrari
Danner was clear in his opinion that Lewis Hamilton underestimated the real challenge posed not only by the Ferrari machinery but also by the formidable competition from teammate Charles Leclerc. According to Danner, Hamilton faces a critical decision during the upcoming summer break: whether to conform to the team’s approach and allow Ferrari to dictate his career trajectory, or to assert his influence and attempt to steer team dynamics according to his preferences. Both routes demand considerable effort and come with uncertain outcomes.
I think Hamilton underestimated the challenge. During the summer break, Hamilton has to decide for himself: does he follow the Ferrari path, as the team dictates? Or does he try to bend things so that they do what he wants? Both take energy and the outcome is open for each.
Christian Danner added
Possibility of Retirement Looms Amid Performance Concerns
Speculation about Lewis Hamilton’s future with Ferrari has surged as he endures a period of poor results and ongoing struggles. Although Hamilton recently affirmed his passion for racing and expressed no immediate intentions to retire, Christian Danner raised doubts about the continuation of his career, considering the current lack of competitiveness. Danner pointed out that Hamilton typically fights through adversity and aims to demonstrate his capabilities, but he acknowledged that an early retirement cannot be excluded given the circumstances.
On the one hand, that’s conceivable because he’s currently far from being competitive. On the other hand, that’s not Hamilton’s style. He’s a fighter and wants to prove to the world that he can still do it. Personally, I believe he will stay and see it through. But you can’t rule out retirement.
Christian Danner noted
Ferrari’s Urgent Need to Enhance the SF-25’s Competitiveness
Ferrari faces mounting pressure to deliver substantial upgrades to the SF-25 in order to boost Lewis Hamilton’s chances of securing victories. Despite his loyalty to the team, Hamilton’s patience may wane if meaningful improvements are not made, potentially prompting him to reconsider his commitment. The unfolding second half of the 2025 season will be critical in determining whether Hamilton can revive his campaign with Ferrari or if changes lie ahead for the seven-time world champion.