Ferrari Red Flag: Hamilton Edges Closer to Unwanted Ferrari Record as Podium Dr… Read more

Hamilton Edges Closer to Unwanted Ferrari Record as Podium Drought Extends
Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari was supposed to bring instant fireworks, but instead, it has become a story of missed opportunities and growing frustration. The seven-time world champion, who joined the Scuderia in 2025, is enduring a difficult run of form that has seen him go 14 consecutive races without a podium finish. The streak has now brought Hamilton within touching distance of a record he would certainly prefer to avoid—Ferrari’s longest run without a Grand Prix podium by any driver.
That record currently belongs to Didier Pironi, who went 19 races without a podium during the late 1970s and early 1980s. With Hamilton just five races away from equalling Pironi’s tally, questions are beginning to mount over whether Ferrari can provide their star signing with a car capable of fighting at the front before the end of the season.
A Disappointing Start to Ferrari Life
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari was heralded as one of the biggest moves in Formula 1 history. Fans and pundits expected his championship-winning experience to transform Ferrari’s fortunes. However, reality has proved far more challenging.
So far, Hamilton’s best result in red has been a fourth-place finish, and his only taste of success came in the form of a sprint race win in China earlier this season. Meanwhile, his teammate Charles Leclerc has managed to extract much stronger performances from the SF-25, securing multiple podiums and even a pole position.
This contrast has added pressure to Hamilton’s situation, with critics suggesting that the 39-year-old may be struggling to adapt to Ferrari’s machinery after years with Mercedes.
Ferrari’s Struggles
Ferrari themselves are not without blame. The SF-25, while quick over a single lap, has often lacked the consistency and race pace to challenge Red Bull, McLaren, or even Mercedes over a full Grand Prix distance. Strategy mishaps—an issue Ferrari has become infamous for—have also cost Hamilton potential strong finishes.
In several races this season, Hamilton found himself in contention for a podium, only for tire degradation or questionable tactical calls to ruin his chances. Such missed opportunities have only compounded the sense of frustration.
Chasing Pironi’s Record
Didier Pironi’s 19-race wait for a podium remains an unwanted statistic in Ferrari’s long and storied history. Pironi eventually broke through with stronger performances before his tragic accident in 1982 cut short his career.
Hamilton now finds himself uncomfortably close to matching that record, and with five more races to go before equalling it, fans are watching nervously. While Hamilton has built a career defined by rewriting record books in positive ways, this is one piece of history he would rather avoid.
What Lies Ahead
Despite the disappointing run, Hamilton has maintained a determined outlook. Speaking after recent races, he has emphasized his commitment to Ferrari’s long-term project and belief that the team will eventually find the right balance to fight for wins again.
Ferrari, meanwhile, insists that updates to the car are coming in the second half of the season. The team hopes these developments will improve tire management and give both drivers a better shot at podiums.
For now, though, Hamilton’s drought looms large. As the races tick by, the Brit edges closer to Pironi’s unwanted milestone. The coming weeks will reveal whether Hamilton can turn his Ferrari journey around—or if his debut season with the Scuderia will be remembered more for frustration than triumph.