The End of the Honeymoon Period: Lewis Hamilton’s Struggles at Ferrari

After much anticipation and excitement, Lewis Hamilton’s much-publicized move to Ferrari is starting to show signs of unraveling. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who made the headline-grabbing switch to the Italian team during the off-season, was thrilled to leave his 12-year association with Mercedes behind. He had long harbored the desire to race for one of the most iconic teams in the sport’s history, but his dream is quickly turning into a nightmare. A series of underwhelming performances, starting with the 2025 season, has left Hamilton’s championship hopes in tatters, and his frustration is becoming increasingly apparent.

The Initial Euphoria

When Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari, fans and pundits alike were eager to see how the British driver would adapt to life at the Scuderia. The prospect of seeing one of Formula 1’s most accomplished drivers in the iconic red car was tantalizing, promising a new chapter in his illustrious career. Hamilton expressed his excitement and gratitude in interviews, describing the opportunity to race for Ferrari as a dream come true.

For many, the idea of Hamilton in Ferrari colors seemed to symbolize a new era of potential victories and rivalries. Ferrari, a team with a rich heritage but recent struggles in the highly competitive world of Formula 1, could greatly benefit from Hamilton’s unparalleled experience and success. However, the transition has proven far more difficult than anticipated.

Early Struggles and Disappointment

As the season has unfolded, it has become clear that the honeymoon period at Ferrari may never have truly begun. Despite Hamilton’s legendary status and Ferrari’s storied past, the team has failed to deliver the results that Hamilton—and his fans—had hoped for. His performance at the Miami Grand Prix served as a painful reminder of the uphill battle he faces at Ferrari.

Hamilton’s race in Miami was a far cry from the performances he had grown accustomed to during his time with Mercedes. Starting from 12th on the grid, Hamilton’s race was a struggle from the very beginning. He finished in eighth place, a result that did little to bolster his championship hopes. His performance was rated a mere 6/10 by Sky Sport Italy pundit Leo Turrini, who pointed out that Hamilton’s frustration was impossible to ignore. “The honeymoon never started with the Lady in Red,” Turrini remarked, a sharp commentary that echoes the mounting tension between Hamilton and the team.

Tensions Flare at Miami GP

The frustrations came to a head during the closing stages of the Miami Grand Prix when Hamilton found himself embroiled in a tense exchange with his race engineer, Ricciardo Adami. On fresher tires, Hamilton urged the team to let him swap positions with his teammate, Charles Leclerc, in a bid to catch up with Kimi Antonelli, who was in sixth place. However, the team was slow to act on Hamilton’s request, causing him to fall behind Leclerc for several laps, unable to make significant progress.

Hamilton’s sarcastic response to the delay—”Have a tea break while you’re at it!”—was a clear indication of his mounting frustration. When he was later asked to allow Leclerc to pass him, Hamilton’s patience wore even thinner. His dry response to the suggestion, “Do you want me to let him through as well?” was another sign of the tension that has been building within the team.

Despite attempting to downplay the incident post-race, it was evident that Hamilton’s mood was far from positive. Reflecting on another disappointing result, the reality of his situation at Ferrari seemed inescapable.

Ferrari’s Struggles and Hamilton’s Frustrations

Hamilton’s difficulties at Ferrari have only been compounded by the impressive form of Kimi Antonelli, his Mercedes replacement, and George Russell, his former Mercedes teammate. Russell has been able to secure multiple podium finishes this season, a stark contrast to Hamilton’s own struggles in the Ferrari car. This has undoubtedly added to Hamilton’s frustrations, as he is not only failing to match the performances of his new teammates but also witnessing the success of his former colleagues.

With just one top-five finish in six races, Hamilton currently sits seventh in the drivers’ standings, two places behind Leclerc. This is a far cry from the dominant performances he enjoyed at Mercedes, where he consistently fought for the championship. The gap between Hamilton and the front-runners continues to widen, and the thought of adding an eighth world title to his collection seems increasingly distant.

Looking Ahead: Is There Hope for a Turnaround?

Despite the ongoing struggles, it would be premature to write off Hamilton’s future at Ferrari. The season is still young, and Formula 1 is notoriously unpredictable. There may be potential for Ferrari to develop a more competitive car, one that can give Hamilton the tools he needs to challenge for wins. Additionally, Hamilton’s unparalleled talent and experience mean that he could still find a way to adapt and overcome the challenges he faces.

However, if Ferrari cannot improve its performance, and if Hamilton continues to face the same level of frustration, his dream of winning a championship with the Scuderia may remain just that—a dream. For now, Hamilton’s once-optimistic switch to Ferrari seems to be marked by more frustration than glory. Whether this marks the beginning of a long and difficult journey or simply a temporary setback remains to be seen. One thing is certain, though: the honeymoon period is well and truly over.