Breaking: Lewis Hamilton gives up on Ferrari season with official statement that…read more
Lewis Hamilton Writes Off 2025 F1 Season Amid Ferrari Struggles
Lewis Hamilton has admitted defeat in his first season with Ferrari, acknowledging that the 2025 Formula 1 campaign is already a lost cause. After another difficult weekend at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion confessed that the ongoing issues with the SF-25 car are far from being resolved—and likely won’t be anytime soon. Hamilton’s remarks paint a grim picture, as he prepares for what he described as a “painful” season ahead.
The race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, a high-speed street track known for its challenging layout, brought little comfort to the 40-year-old Briton. While Hamilton has never particularly excelled at Jeddah, this year’s outing was particularly disappointing. He qualified well behind his teammate Charles Leclerc—by nearly half a second—and in the race, the gap widened dramatically. Leclerc secured Ferrari’s first podium of the season with a third-place finish, while Hamilton crossed the line in seventh, over 30 seconds behind.
Adding to the frustration was the performance of 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, the rising star who replaced Hamilton at Mercedes. The Italian rookie outpaced Hamilton with a mature and composed drive, highlighting the stark contrast between the struggling veteran and the sport’s emerging talent.
Hamilton had approached the Saudi Arabian round with cautious optimism. His performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix suggested some progress, and he believed he was starting to get a handle on the Ferrari’s setup. However, any momentum quickly evaporated in Jeddah. The SF-25 once again proved to be a mystery, particularly for Hamilton, who described the car as unpredictable and difficult to connect with.
Speaking openly after the race, Hamilton admitted that there was no clear answer to the problems. “I don’t have an answer for you,” he told reporters. “There’s nothing obvious. I’m struggling with the balance, struggling to feel the car beneath me. But it’s not just one issue—it’s like there’s nothing concrete to point to.”
This lack of clarity has left both Hamilton and Ferrari in a bind. While Leclerc seems to be adapting and managing to extract competitive pace, Hamilton has yet to find a rhythm. His difficulties have raised questions about whether this partnership will ever yield the results many had hoped for when he left Mercedes for Ferrari in a blockbuster move.
Hamilton didn’t hold back when assessing the season’s prospects. “Right now, there’s no fix,” he said bluntly. “This is how it’s going to be for the rest of the year. It’s just going to be painful.”
Such candid admissions are rare this early in the season—especially with 19 races still to go. But Hamilton’s words reflect a reality that’s hard to ignore: Ferrari’s current package isn’t working for him, and the dream of a title-challenging year has already faded.
Looking ahead, Hamilton’s hopes now rest on the major regulation changes coming in 2026. Until then, he appears resigned to endure a tough campaign, focused more on learning and preparation than championship contention. For a driver of his stature, the frustration is clear—and the road ahead, long.
