Just In: Hamilton Returns to London Amid Ferrari Crisis d…read more
Hamilton Returns to London Amid Ferrari Crisis d…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated move to Ferrari is turning into a rocky chapter in his otherwise stellar Formula 1 career. While fans were eager to see the seven-time world champion spearhead a revival at the iconic Italian team, the results so far have been underwhelming. Now, with mounting pressure and Ferrari’s performance woes deepening, Hamilton has taken a brief trip back to London—part business, part breather.
Following another disappointing weekend at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, where Hamilton crossed the line in seventh—over half a minute behind teammate Charles Leclerc—the cracks are starting to show. Hamilton appeared disheartened in post-race interviews, particularly when he told Sky Sports F1’s Rachel Brookes that his underperformance wasn’t due to the car. That admission raised eyebrows, fueling speculation about deeper issues behind the scenes.
This comes just weeks after a moment of optimism in China, where Hamilton claimed victory in the Sprint Race. That brief success raised hopes that he was beginning to click with Ferrari’s SF-25. But the momentum didn’t carry over to Saudi Arabia. Hamilton’s body language and tone in interviews have prompted concerns from pundits and former drivers alike, including Ralf Schumacher, who suggested Hamilton might consider retiring if things don’t improve soon.
Hamilton’s return to the UK is officially for commercial reasons. On Friday, he appeared at the grand opening of the new Fanatics Collectibles store on London’s Regent Street, where he engaged with fans and took part in promotional activities. But this temporary escape from Maranello’s tense environment could offer more than just a PR moment. Known for valuing time to reset mentally, Hamilton may use his London visit to regain composure and clarity ahead of next week’s Miami Grand Prix.
Ferrari’s problems extend beyond just poor race results. The SF-25, hailed as a technical leap forward, has yet to deliver consistent performances. While Leclerc seems to be extracting more potential from the car, Hamilton continues to battle with its balance and feel. His radio messages during races suggest confusion and frustration, and the growing performance gap between the two drivers is becoming hard to ignore.
Team boss Frédéric Vasseur is under increasing pressure as Ferrari struggles to compete with dominant teams like Red Bull and McLaren. Many fans hoped Hamilton’s arrival would signal a return to form for the Scuderia, whose last drivers’ championship came back in 2007. Instead, the team appears stagnant, with morale uncertain and results falling short of expectations.
Still, there’s a long season ahead, and fortunes in Formula 1 can shift rapidly. For Hamilton and Ferrari, Miami represents the next chance to turn things around. But first, a few days in London could offer the clarity and energy Hamilton needs to get back on track. Whether this visit becomes a turning point or just another pause in a difficult journey remains to be seen—but both driver and team know that time is quickly slipping away.
