F1 NEW'S, Italian Fears Grow Over Lewis Hamilton 'Embarrassment'

Italian Fears Grow Over Lewis Hamilton ‘Embarrassment’ at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton’s highly publicized move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season was meant to mark the beginning of a glorious new chapter. Instead, it has triggered a wave of concern among Italian media and fans, with growing fears that the seven-time world champion might be facing an “embarrassment” in the red suit of the Scuderia.

A Tough Start at Maranello

The excitement surrounding Hamilton’s arrival in Maranello was immense. Italian fans had hoped his pedigree and experience would return Ferrari to its former glory, especially with the team having not won a drivers’ title since Kimi Räikkönen in 2007. However, the opening races of the season have told a different story.

Hamilton has struggled to find form in the SF-25, describing the car as “an alien” due to its unfamiliar dynamics, including the engine braking and brake balance compared to what he was used to at Mercedes. His finishes have been underwhelming: a fifth-place in Bahrain, lackluster practice sessions in Saudi Arabia, and a bittersweet sprint victory in China followed by a disqualification from the main race due to technical infringements.

These challenges have painted a rocky beginning to his Ferrari career, raising eyebrows among fans and critics alike.

Italian Media Grows Restless

The Italian press, never known for holding back, has begun to show signs of impatience. Corriere della Sera openly questioned whether Hamilton is overcomplicating the adaptation process. Comparisons have even been made to 18-year-old Ollie Bearman, who impressed in his debut for Ferrari by seamlessly adjusting to the car—further fueling criticism toward Hamilton’s progress.

Some analysts have even gone as far as to suggest that Hamilton’s performances so far risk becoming an “embarrassment” for both the driver and the team if things don’t turn around soon.

A Cultural Adjustment Too?

Despite the results, Hamilton has made a conscious effort to embrace Ferrari culture. He’s been learning Italian, spending time at the Maranello base, and engaging with fans—an effort that has earned him some goodwill. But goodwill only goes so far in the results-driven world of Formula 1, especially with the pressure cooker that is Ferrari.

The fear, particularly among passionate Italian tifosi, is that Hamilton’s arrival might turn into a high-profile failure rather than a return to glory. There is also concern that his presence could disrupt the team’s internal balance, with Charles Leclerc still very much considered the face of Ferrari’s future.

Patience from the Top – For Now

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has urged for calm, insisting that both the car and the driver need more time to gel. He pointed out that the SF-25 is still in development and that the team expects performance to improve in the coming races.

Hamilton, for his part, remains optimistic. He recently stated that “success doesn’t come overnight” and believes the team is “on a journey together.” He remains committed to proving his critics wrong.

What’s Next?

Ferrari currently sits fourth in the constructors’ standings with 57 points, behind McLaren’s 151. Hamilton himself is seventh in the drivers’ championship with 25 points, trailing teammate Leclerc, who is fifth with 32 points.

The coming races will be critical—not just for Hamilton’s season, but perhaps for his legacy. Can the F1 icon turn it around, or will Italy’s fears of embarrassment prove prophetic? The answer, as always in Formula 1, will come at full speed.