The beginning of his Ferrari profession has been largely the other of what he would have hoped for and, aged 40, time is working out for Lewis Hamilton to realize his closing Method 1 dream
All Lewis Hamilton may do was shake his head as he studied the timing screens, the look of disbelief on the dimension of the hole to these forward stated all of it. Seventh on the grid after qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix isn’t what the seven-time Method 1 champion got here to Ferrari for after leaving Mercedes.
He was virtually a full second slower across the Jeddah Corniche Circuit than pole-sitter Max Verstappen – and the next day was no higher. Whereas team-mate Charles Leclerc secured Ferrari’s first podium of 2025 by persevering with his regular enchancment, Hamilton remained rooted to seventh place and appeared a defeated man in post-race interviews.
“It should be painful,” he stated, referring to the remainder of a primary season with Ferrari which started with a lot hype and expectation. Was he already writing off the yr after simply 5 rounds of a 24-event season? It actually sounded prefer it.
Hamilton scored 31 factors throughout these 5 Grands Prix and one dash race. Championship chief Oscar Piastri has 99 already. Positive, he has had the not insignificant problem of adapting to new environment, not least driving Ferrari equipment after 12 years behind the wheel of a Mercedes.
However Carlos Sainz, who went the opposite approach from Ferrari to a Mercedes-powered Williams, has already discovered his toes. So has younger Oliver Bearman, who carried out on 48 hours’ discover for Ferrari in Jeddah final yr and has impressed in his debut season up to now with Haas.
READ MORE: Ferrari handed Charles Leclerc warning amid bid to assist Lewis Hamilton discover his typeREAD MORE: Max Verstappen slammed after ‘disrespectful’ act in the direction of F1 rival noticed at Saudi GP
Is it an oversimplification to wonder if it is a case of an previous canine struggling to be taught new tips? Hamilton has had a outstanding profession however we’re seeing proof suggesting he might now not be on the peak of his powers.
The identical occurred to Michael Schumacher, who did not win a single race in his three-year comeback with Mercedes. The German was in his 40s on the time, as is F1’s solely different seven-time champion now. However it’s clear that Hamilton isn’t the one downside.
Sky Sports activities launches discounted Method 1 bundle
£43
£35
Sky
Get Sky Sports activities right here
Method 1 followers can watch each observe, qualifying and race reside with Sky’s new Important TV and Sky Sports activities bundle in a brand new deal that saves £192.
In addition to Sky Sports activities entry, this contains greater than 100 TV channels and free subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+.
Leclerc could also be getting much better outcomes out of the identical automotive however he too has been essential of the machine they’re each saddled with for the yr. “I’m actually not completely satisfied,” he stated in Jeddah, referring to his automotive’s incapability to match the McLarens, and in addition what Verstappen is doing in his Purple Bull.
The formbook suggests Leclerc is maximising the automotive whereas Hamilton admits he nonetheless has a solution to go on that entrance. That was to be anticipated given Leclerc has been Ferrari’s cornerstone driver for years and the efficiency hole between them will certainly slender within the coming months.
And Ferrari clearly nonetheless have a solution to go operationally, evidenced by that embarrassing double disqualification final month in China. His Shanghai dash win confirmed Hamilton can nonetheless ship when his automotive is ready up simply how he likes and the circumstances are in his favour.
However a few of the Brit’s extra spectacular performances over time got here when issues went in opposition to him and he nonetheless delivered. That is what he’ll must do if he’s to lastly put on that elusive eighth drivers’ crown earlier than he retires.
McLaren’s benefit this yr already appears virtually insurmountable for Ferrari and Hamilton who’re a good distance again. He turns 41 subsequent January and 2026, with new automotive rules doubtlessly upsetting the stability of energy on the grid, already appears prone to be the make-or-break season for Hamilton’s hopes.
However even when there may be to be no completely satisfied ending, it won’t have an effect on his outstanding legacy in any approach. And at the very least that younger boy from Stevenage lastly received to reside out his dream of racing in purple.
