Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Struggles: 'Horrible to Watch' as Podium Eludes Him

Lewis Hamilton's highly anticipated move to Ferrari has, so far, been a challenging journey, with the seven-time world champion yet to secure a podium finish in 20 appearances. Former F1 driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert describes Hamilton's struggles as an 'ongoing saga,' noting it's 'horrible to watch' as teammate Charles Leclerc consistently outperforms him.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's transfer to Ferrari was one of the most talked-about moves in recent F1 history, expected to revitalize his career and bring glory to the Scuderia. His current struggles and inability to find form highlight the immense pressure and adaptation challenges even for a driver of his caliber, impacting Ferrari's overall performance and morale.

The Details:

• Podium Drought: Hamilton has not registered a single podium finish in 20 races with Ferrari, a stark contrast to his illustrious career at Mercedes.
• Teammate Performance: Charles Leclerc has significantly outperformed Hamilton, securing seven podium finishes this F1 2025 season and holding a 64-point lead in the drivers' standings.
• Mexican Grand Prix Frustration: At the recent Mexican Grand Prix, Hamilton qualified third, his best grid position with Ferrari. However, a 10-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage while battling Max Verstappen thwarted his hopes for a podium, relegating him to a disappointing finish while Leclerc secured another podium.
• Herbert's Commentary: Johnny Herbert, a former F1 driver and FIA steward, expressed his concern, stating that Hamilton's inability to 'click' with the Ferrari car and his ongoing struggles are 'horrible to watch.'
• Car Comfort: Despite the challenging results, Hamilton reportedly felt more comfortable with the car's qualifying performance in Mexico, hinting at potential progress.

The Big Picture:

Hamilton's transition to Ferrari was meant to be a turning point for both driver and team. While Leclerc seems to have adapted well, Hamilton's prolonged struggle to find pace and consistency underscores the difficulty of integrating into a new team and car, especially one with Ferrari's unique dynamics and pressures. This situation raises questions about the car's suitability for Hamilton's driving style and the team's ability to provide him with a championship-contending machine.

What's next:

As the F1 2025 season nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see if he can make significant progress in the remaining races. Resolving his performance issues will be crucial not only for his personal record but also for Ferrari's aspirations of challenging for the Constructors' Championship in the upcoming seasons. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if the 'ongoing saga' can finally turn a corner.