F1 News: Doubts Surround Hamilton’s Ferrari Switch as FIA Steward Selection Sparks D…read more
Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been compared with Michael Schumacher’s return to the sport at the age of 41.
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari has stirred widespread confusion and debate, drawing comparisons with Michael Schumacher’s unexpected return to F1 over a decade ago.
At 40 years old, Hamilton left Mercedes — the team with which he secured six of his seven titles — in pursuit of a record-breaking eighth championship with Ferrari. But the move, hailed as both daring and nostalgic, has so far failed to pay off. After nine races into the 2025 season, Hamilton finds himself sixth in the drivers’ standings, trailing teammate Charles Leclerc by 23 points. His lack of podium finishes and inability to consistently outperform Leclerc has fueled speculation over whether the switch was a mistake.
Many in the paddock have drawn parallels between Hamilton’s situation and that of Michael Schumacher, who made a legendary mark at Ferrari with five world titles from 1996 to 2006. Schumacher later returned from retirement in 2010, but not with Ferrari — instead choosing Mercedes. Despite the fanfare, his comeback was underwhelming, consistently outshone by younger teammate Nico Rosberg.
Former Red Bull driver and longtime F1 pundit David Coulthard commented on the similarities, saying Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes came as a surprise. “I always thought Lewis had a deep bond with Mercedes. I was really confused when I heard he was leaving,” Coulthard told Bild. “It reminded me a bit of Michael’s comeback — a legend returning but not with the team where he made history.”
Coulthard also expressed skepticism about Hamilton’s chances of achieving an eighth title. “Maybe he’ll win a race. Maybe even a championship. But right now, it doesn’t look like it,” he said.
So far, Hamilton’s struggles at Ferrari have been twofold: the car lacks the speed to match front-runners like McLaren and Mercedes, and Hamilton himself has underperformed. Outqualified by Leclerc in seven of nine races, Hamilton has appeared visibly frustrated in interviews, often acknowledging his poor form.
Beyond the on-track drama, controversy has also emerged around the recent appointment of an FIA steward, raising questions about neutrality and governance in the sport — though details are still emerging.
As Ferrari continues to lag behind in race pace and strategy execution, and Hamilton struggles to find rhythm in his new environment, many are now wondering if the legendary Brit may have made a misstep in switching teams so late in his career. For now, his dream of securing an unprecedented eighth world championship remains distant — and perhaps, increasingly, out of reach.
About The Author
