Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton is facing a challenging start at Ferrari, being significantly out-performed by teammate Charles Leclerc. Former F1 driver Gerhard Berger insists Hamilton must personally rectify this "messed up" situation.
Why it matters:
Hamilton joined Ferrari with high expectations, but the partnership has so far failed to live up to the initial hype. He is struggling to find form and has been openly critical of his performance and the team's car, leading to concerns about his adaptation and future at Maranello.
The big picture:
Hamilton has yet to secure a podium finish 14 rounds into the season. This places him at risk of breaking the undesired record for most races at Ferrari without a podium, currently held by Didier Pironi (19 races). His struggles contrast sharply with Leclerc's recent upturn in performance.
By the numbers:
- Qualifying: Leclerc has out-qualified Hamilton 10-4.
- Grand Prix: Leclerc has outperformed Hamilton 11-2 in Grands Prix (it would have been 12-2 without their double disqualification in China).
- Podiums: Leclerc has achieved five podiums this season, all within the last 10 rounds, while Hamilton has none.
- Points deficit: Hamilton trails Leclerc by 42 points.
What they're saying:
Berger told Austrian publication Krone that Hamilton, accustomed to being a team's number one, is now "under control" by Leclerc. He stressed that "status shouldn't play a role" and that Hamilton rectifying things rests solely on his own shoulders.
"Lewis is struggling with it, though, but he has to get out of it himself, get the car and his teammate under control. It's entirely up to him."
The bottom line:
Hamilton's ability to turn his fortunes around at Ferrari depends on his personal drive to overcome the current difficulties and reassert his dominance within the team, rather than relying on external factors or team intervention.