Lewis Hamilton issues damning Ferrari verdict after 'te....read more

Lewis Hamilton issues damning Ferrari verdict after ‘te….read more

Lewis Hamilton delivered a highly critical assessment of his performance following the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished in a modest sixth place. Despite a promising start to the weekend—managing to out-qualify his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc for only the second time since joining the Italian outfit—Hamilton’s optimism was short-lived as the race unfolded in disappointing fashion.

The seven-time world champion found himself struggling for pace throughout the Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. His frustrations were compounded early in the race when Ferrari enforced team orders, allowing Leclerc to pass him. The team’s decision was evidently based on the Monegasque driver’s superior pace, which ultimately paid off as Leclerc surged forward to challenge the front runners.

Hamilton appeared disheartened after the race, openly expressing his dissatisfaction with his car’s performance. He described his pace as “terrible” and admitted he felt he had little control or influence over the race outcome. His tone was notably downbeat, a stark contrast to the enthusiasm that often follows competitive drives. The British driver seemed perplexed by the lack of performance, especially after such a strong qualifying display, and questioned what had gone wrong in race trim.

While Hamilton languished in sixth, Leclerc capitalized on the chaos of the race, particularly during a dramatic late safety car period. The well-timed intervention allowed Leclerc to close in on the leading pack. Demonstrating both consistency and strong racecraft, Leclerc eventually secured a place on the podium alongside McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who also benefitted from the safety car shuffle.

The contrasting fortunes between the two Ferrari drivers highlighted the ongoing inconsistencies in Hamilton’s 2025 campaign with the Scuderia. While Leclerc has generally looked more comfortable with the car in race conditions, Hamilton has struggled to find a rhythm over longer stints. This disparity was on full display in Spain, where team strategy and raw pace clearly favoured the Monegasque.

Hamilton’s comments post-race made clear his deep frustration—not only with the result but also with the broader issues plaguing his stint at Ferrari. The former Mercedes ace is still seeking his first win in red, and performances like these only intensify scrutiny over his decision to switch teams.

Overall, the Spanish Grand Prix served as a microcosm of Hamilton’s ongoing challenges with Ferrari: moments of promise undercut by underwhelming execution and strategic setbacks. As the season progresses, both Hamilton and Ferrari will be under pressure to find answers and turn potential into results.