Seven-time champ laments car struggles, says there’s ‘no fix’ as Leclerc continues to outpace him
Lewis Hamilton didn’t mince his words after a tough Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Ferrari newcomer is still searching for answers — and maybe, some hope — as the 2025 F1 season starts slipping away from him.
After qualifying seventh and finishing the race in the same spot, the British star couldn’t hide his disappointment. With teammate Charles Leclerc grabbing a podium, and young Kimi Antonelli impressing in his old seat at Mercedes, Hamilton’s Ferrari fairytale is starting to look more like a nightmare.
A Start Full of Questions, Not Answers
The move to Ferrari was supposed to mark a new beginning — but so far, it’s looked more like a rough reboot.
In Jeddah, Hamilton struggled to make progress despite overtaking Carlos Sainz early. Any hope of climbing further was squashed by a fast-moving Lando Norris, who cruised past from P10. That wasn’t even the worst part.
“I tried everything,” Hamilton said bluntly. “The car just didn’t want to go quicker.” It’s not a setup issue or a mistake in driving style, he insists. It’s the car. Plain and simple.
And that hurts — for him and his fans.
Leclerc Flying, Hamilton Flailing
At every turn, Charles Leclerc seems to be reinforcing Ferrari’s long-term bet. This is his team.
For the fourth time in five races, Leclerc started ahead of Hamilton. In Jeddah, he converted that advantage into the team’s first podium of the year. That only magnified the gap between them.
Hamilton hasn’t managed to beat his teammate once on race day yet. And the numbers are already starting to look awkward. Here’s how they stack up after five rounds:
| Race | Leclerc Finish | Hamilton Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | 4th | 7th |
| Australia | 3rd | 6th |
| Japan | 5th | 9th |
| China | 2nd | 5th |
| Saudi Arabia | 3rd | 7th |
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has remained tight-lipped about the discrepancy. But it’s clear who’s leading the red charge — and it’s not the seven-time world champion.
Antonelli Haunts From Afar
While Hamilton toils in red, Kimi Antonelli — the teenage prodigy who took over his Mercedes seat — is doing more than just holding his own.
In Jeddah, Antonelli ran comfortably in front of Hamilton. That stung. Not just because of the performance gap, but because Antonelli represents the future Hamilton was supposed to guide before choosing to switch camps.
That Mercedes-Ferrari swap is looking less like a masterstroke and more like a misread of the moment.
Ferrari, meanwhile, are investing in the long game. And Hamilton? He might be a short-term puzzle they haven’t solved yet.
Pain Without a Deadline
The most jarring part of Hamilton’s post-race comments wasn’t the frustration — it was the resignation.
“There’s no fix,” he said. “So… this is how it’s going to be for the rest of the year. It’s going to be painful.”
You could hear it in his voice — a mix of disappointment, confusion, and maybe even a touch of regret. At 40, with a legacy secured, this season was meant to be a final flourish. Instead, it’s starting to feel like a farewell tour without the fireworks.
The Ferrari Challenge — It’s Bigger Than One Driver
Hamilton’s struggles are personal, but they’re also structural. Ferrari hasn’t suddenly built a bad car, but it hasn’t yet delivered the consistency or adaptability Hamilton’s used to.
Leclerc’s familiarity with the team is paying off. Hamilton, on the other hand, is still adapting to new engineers, different feedback systems, and a car that reacts in ways he’s not used to.
There’s no conspiracy here — just growing pains. Still, you can’t help but wonder if Ferrari underestimated how long the adjustment would take.
And let’s be real, time isn’t something Hamilton has in abundance anymore.
More Races, More Pressure
Five races in, and the questions keep piling up:
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Can Hamilton close the gap to Leclerc?
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Is Ferrari building around him or building past him?
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Will the pain he’s predicting become too much to bear?
The Miami Grand Prix is next. It’s fast, unpredictable, and usually chaotic — not unlike Hamilton’s season so far. If things don’t click there, the alarm bells will grow louder.
Hamilton’s earned the right to be heard. He’s earned the right to patience. But F1 doesn’t always care about either.
