Lewis Hamilton Rules Out Ferrari F1 2025 Podium with Blunt Response

Lewis Hamilton's challenging first season with Ferrari continues, as the seven-time world champion has given a definitive "no" regarding his chances of securing a podium finish this year. With only four rounds remaining in the 2025 F1 season, Hamilton's highly anticipated move to Maranello has yet to yield a top-three result, sparking questions about the team's immediate prospects.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's highly publicized switch to Ferrari was envisioned as a career revitalizer, aiming to secure a record eighth World Championship. His current struggles and direct admission highlight the significant challenges Ferrari faces in matching the performance of front-running teams. A strong finish is crucial not only for Hamilton's morale but also for Ferrari's bid to secure second place in the Constructors' Championship, where they are locked in a tight battle with Mercedes and Red Bull.

The Details:

• Hamilton has yet to achieve a podium finish in his debut season with Ferrari, despite expectations for the high-profile alliance.
• He currently trails his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, by 64 points in the Drivers' Championship with four Grands Prix and two Sprint races remaining.
• In Mexico, Hamilton started P3 and appeared poised for his 203rd career podium, but a 10-second time penalty for gaining an advantage off-track against Max Verstappen dropped him to eighth place.
• When asked by DAZN after the Mexican Grand Prix if a podium or victory was still possible in 2025, Hamilton's response was a clear "No."
• Despite ruling out a podium, Hamilton remains committed to improving the team's performance, stating, "We're just slowly, collectively, getting a bit better," and vowing to "keep trying."

The big picture:

Ferrari is currently holding onto second place in the Constructors' Championship, but the margins are incredibly tight. Mercedes is just one point behind, and Red Bull, in fourth, trails Ferrari by only 10 points. Every point from both drivers will be critical in these final races to consolidate their position. Hamilton's experience and contributions, even if not podium-finishing, are vital for this team effort.

What's next:

While Hamilton has tempered expectations for individual podiums, his focus remains on continuous improvement and contributing to Ferrari's overall performance. The upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix will be another test for the team, as they aim to consolidate their position in the Constructors' Championship. Hamilton's ongoing efforts to adapt and push the team forward will be key to any future success, regardless of the immediate results.