Hamilton Faces Inconsistency, Ferrari Struggles Persist 2025 F1 Season

Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari in the 2025 F1 season has been marked by significant struggles, with no podium finishes in the first nine races and a best result of fourth place. Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert and commentators like Nico Rosberg have expressed concerns over Hamilton's form, likening his difficulties to Michael Schumacher's unsuccessful comeback and describing his current situation as a "very dark situation." Hamilton himself has voiced frustration, calling the Spanish Grand Prix his "worst race" in terms of car balance, while Ferrari reportedly overlooked some of his simulator concerns, contributing to ongoing performance issues. Despite qualifying ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc on occasion, Hamilton has often been overtaken during races and has been instructed to let Leclerc pass when struggling, highlighting internal team challenges. David Coulthard noted Hamilton is "punch drunk" from the adjustment difficulties but pointed to brief moments where Hamilton found some comfort and pace during races, suggesting there are reasons for cautious optimism. Ferrari, meanwhile, trails McLaren significantly in the Constructors’ Championship, underscoring the broader challenges the team faces this season beyond Hamilton's individual performance.