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Hamilton’s Ferrari Move Sparks Doubts Amid FIA Penalty Concerns and Comparisons to Schumacher
Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari has triggered widespread discussion, especially after a rocky start to the 2025 Formula 1 season. The seven-time world champion made the bold decision to leave Mercedes, the team with which he forged a record-equalling legacy over 12 seasons, in search of an unprecedented eighth world title. At age 40, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was reminiscent of Michael Schumacher’s famous tenure with the Italian team and his later return to Formula 1 with Mercedes in 2010.
Unfortunately for Hamilton, the transition has not been smooth. After nine races, he finds himself languishing in sixth place in the drivers’ standings, trailing his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc by 23 points. Leclerc, by contrast, has secured three podium finishes this season, while Hamilton has yet to step on the rostrum. His qualifying performances have also been underwhelming—he’s only managed to outqualify Leclerc twice. These statistics have raised eyebrows, especially considering Hamilton’s past dominance and the fanfare surrounding his move.
To complicate matters, Hamilton’s underwhelming form is coinciding with broader concerns within the Ferrari garage. The car has consistently lacked the pace to challenge McLaren and Mercedes, leaving Ferrari on the back foot in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Frustration has been evident in Hamilton’s recent comments, with the British driver adopting a more reserved, even somber tone during interviews. His body language and remarks suggest a growing dissatisfaction with his form and the team’s competitiveness.
Adding to the intrigue is a reported impending FIA penalty for a yet-unnamed F1 driver, which could potentially affect the grid at the next race. While official details remain scarce, the FIA’s announcement has contributed to a growing sense of unrest within the paddock.
Former F1 driver David Coulthard has joined the conversation, likening Hamilton’s career shift to that of Michael Schumacher’s return to the sport after retirement. Schumacher, another seven-time world champion, had a legendary run with Ferrari before briefly racing for Mercedes from 2010 to 2012—an era marked by struggle rather than success. Coulthard sees parallels between the two careers and admits he was surprised by Hamilton’s decision.
“I always believed Lewis had developed a deep connection and loyalty with Mercedes, so I was really puzzled when I heard he was leaving,” Coulthard told Bild. “It felt similar to when Michael came back to race with Mercedes, even though his legacy was so tied to Ferrari. But this is Lewis’s story—his path, his book to write.”
Despite the optimism that initially surrounded Hamilton’s Ferrari chapter, momentum has been slow to build. Based on the current trajectory, Coulthard doubts Hamilton will capture his elusive eighth title. “Maybe he’ll win a race, maybe even a championship—or maybe not,” Coulthard said candidly. When pressed on whether Hamilton could win another title with Ferrari, he concluded bluntly: “No, it doesn’t look like it.”
As the season unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on Hamilton—both for what he represents and for what he’s yet to achieve.
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