Breaking:F1 Champion Warns Hamilton May Be Running Out of Time to Prove Himself at Ferr…read more
Breaking:F1 Champion Warns Hamilton May Be Running Out of Time to Prove Himself at Ferr…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari was seen as a bold step in his quest for an eighth world championship. However, just six races into the 2025 Formula 1 season, concerns are growing that the seven-time world champion might not be granted the patience he once enjoyed at Mercedes. Former F1 titleholder Jacques Villeneuve has voiced doubts about Hamilton’s fit at Ferrari, describing the team as “fickle” and unlikely to tolerate prolonged underperformance.
Hamilton’s start with the Italian giants has been far from ideal. Currently seventh in the drivers’ standings, he has yet to secure a single podium finish since joining the Maranello-based team. This underwhelming start contrasts sharply with the fanfare and expectation surrounding his switch from Mercedes, where he had spent over a decade and won six of his seven titles.
Speaking to Vision4Sport, Villeneuve highlighted a growing sense of frustration in Hamilton’s demeanor and performance. “You can hear that Lewis Hamilton is not happy at all,” he remarked. “Charles Leclerc is stepping up more and more, and Lewis is starting to sound apologetic. Once a driver starts doing that, it chips away at their image and credibility. People begin to think they’re just coasting.”
Villeneuve also emphasized that Ferrari’s culture demands immediate results and visible passion, a stark contrast to the more methodical, supportive environment at Mercedes. “Ferrari is like a volcano,” he said. “They need sparks to ignite the fire. If the spark doesn’t catch, there’s trouble. At Mercedes, Hamilton had room to ease into form. At Ferrari, it’s now or never.”
These comments echo similar sentiments recently expressed by George Russell, Hamilton’s former teammate at Mercedes. Russell admitted Hamilton doesn’t seem to be enjoying life at Ferrari but expressed hope that the veteran driver could find his rhythm. Yet the statistics are not encouraging. Dating back to early 2024, Hamilton has been out-qualified 24 times in the last 30 races by his teammates — a pattern that suggests deeper issues with form and confidence.
With the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy fast approaching, many see it as a critical moment for Hamilton to shift the narrative. Performing well on Ferrari’s home turf could reignite both his morale and the team’s faith in him. Villeneuve believes that unless Hamilton can deliver a standout performance soon, particularly in front of the Tifosi, his dream of achieving glory in red may start slipping away faster than anticipated.
