Lewis Hamilton’s First Season at Ferrari: A Tale of Unmet Expectations and Internal Struggles

When Lewis Hamilton made the bold decision to join Ferrari at the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, the motorsport world was abuzz with excitement. A seven-time world champion, now dressed in red, racing for the legendary Scuderia Ferrari, was supposed to be a story for the ages—a final push for an eighth world title. But as we approach the midway point of the season, the reality has been far less glamorous than anyone expected. No wins, no podiums, and no sign of dominance that once defined Hamilton’s career. In fact, it seems the situation at Ferrari is even more complex than the world initially realized.

The First Signs of Trouble

As the season has unfolded, it has become evident that things are not going as planned. Ten races into the 2025 season, Hamilton finds himself trailing his teammate, Charles Leclerc, both in points and performance. The Italian team, once an icon of speed and success, is struggling to match the might of its competitors. Despite the promise of a fresh start and the hope that Ferrari could finally challenge the top teams, Hamilton’s performance has highlighted deeper, more systemic issues within the team.

This has not gone unnoticed. One of the most telling voices on the matter has come from none other than Fernando Alonso, a man who knows Ferrari better than most. In recent interviews, Alonso has expressed confusion and concern about Hamilton’s situation. “What’s wrong with him? I have no idea,” Alonso remarked cryptically, making it clear that the issues facing the British driver may not be as simple as on-track performance. The seasoned veteran of Formula 1 hinted that the internal struggles Hamilton faces at Ferrari are reminiscent of his own challenging years at Mercedes, especially when George Russell outperformed him. In Hamilton’s case, it’s Leclerc who holds the upper hand.

Alonso’s words have raised alarm bells, not just in the paddock but within Ferrari’s own ranks. He isn’t merely commenting on Hamilton’s driving style or car setups. Rather, he’s pointing to something much deeper—an internal culture that may be holding Hamilton back from delivering his best.

The Internal Struggles

Hamilton has long been known for his meticulous approach to racing, a driver who is known for his adaptability and strategic mindset. However, as he continues to battle with Ferrari, his comments after races have become more pointed. “Changes are needed in the system,” he said in one recent interview, subtly hinting at issues beyond tire wear or car setup. “There are things happening behind the scenes that I can’t talk about.” This wasn’t a vague complaint; it was a clear signal that something is broken within the team—a system failure that Hamilton is having to contend with.

There are now murmurs from within Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello that the team is facing serious internal pressure. Reports from Italy suggest that team principal Fred Vasseur, who took over Ferrari in 2024, is under increasing scrutiny. Ferrari’s board is reportedly looking for results, and there is speculation that Vasseur could be on the chopping block if the situation doesn’t improve. In fact, some have even claimed that Ferrari has already approached other potential team bosses, including Christian Horner, who turned them down. While Vasseur remains publicly calm, stating that there is still time for the team to find its footing, the clock is ticking—and Formula 1 doesn’t offer much time for second chances.

Hamilton’s Challenges: A Team Not Built Around Him

When Hamilton first joined Ferrari, many believed the team was going to build around him, using his experience and racecraft to propel them back to the top of Formula 1. But as the season progresses, it’s becoming clear that the promise of a team centered around Hamilton is beginning to feel like little more than a headline. On track, Leclerc is often faster, with better qualifying results and more consistent race pace. This has led to Hamilton being pushed into the background.

The problems began early in the season, with reports from inside the team revealing a pattern of disparities in how Hamilton and Leclerc were treated during pre-season simulator testing. While Leclerc was given stable setups, Hamilton was often testing experimental configurations. These weren’t necessarily worse, but they were different enough to slow down Hamilton’s adaptation. There have also been reports that Hamilton’s requests for mechanical improvements—something that would align with his driving style—were often delayed or ignored, while Leclerc received prompt attention.

This disparity in treatment is not just limited to car setups but extends to race day strategy as well. Reports indicate that Hamilton’s race strategy calls over the radio have often been vague, with instructions like “manage tires” or “think long term.” Leclerc, on the other hand, is given more specific targets, such as “push target lap time.” These subtle differences indicate that the team’s internal focus is not as equally balanced as Ferrari claims it to be. Alonso, astutely aware of how the team operates, has hinted that these disparities are not just random but part of a larger, more strategic picture—one where Hamilton is being subtly sidelined.

A Win Buried by Politics

The most glaring example of this internal friction came after Hamilton’s win in the sprint race in China. After such a victory, fans and commentators expected a shift in momentum. Instead, the main Grand Prix that weekend ended in disaster for Hamilton, with a disqualification that erased any joy from his victory. The win, which should have been a highlight, was buried under the paperwork, and the media shifted focus elsewhere. For many fans, this was the moment when the warning signs turned bright red. There was a sense that something was very wrong within Ferrari—not just on track, but in how the team was treating Hamilton.

Ferrari at a Crossroads

Alonso, who lived through his own difficult years at Ferrari, has seen these patterns before. He knows how the pressures inside Ferrari can build, how internal politics can erode a team’s focus, and how the media can turn on a driver or a team in the blink of an eye. When he looks at Hamilton’s situation, he sees too many familiar signs. Alonso isn’t just talking about a driver underperforming—he’s talking about a driver who is being held back by a system that does not fully support him. The internal issues at Ferrari are starting to show their cracks, and Alonso is sending a clear warning: if Ferrari doesn’t address these problems now, they risk losing Hamilton, the one driver who could lead them back to the top.

As the season progresses, Vasseur’s leadership is coming under more and more scrutiny. If the results don’t improve in the next few races—Canada, Austria, and Silverstone—his position could be in serious jeopardy. For Hamilton, the pressure is mounting. A driver used to teams built around him, with a clear commitment to victory, is now in an environment where the commitment seems to be lacking. The question remains: Will Ferrari change its internal dynamics and give Hamilton the trust and support he needs to win? Or will they continue to let the cracks grow until the damage is irreparable?

For now, Hamilton remains a loyal soldier, still delivering results despite a system that doesn’t fully support him. But as the summer break approaches, the questions surrounding his future with Ferrari will only grow louder. The team stands at a crossroads, and the path they choose will determine not only their future but Hamilton’s as well.

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