Lewis Hamilton Given Stern Warning Over Ferrari’s Ruthless Expect

Lewis Hamilton Given Stern Warning Over Ferrari’s Ruthless Expectations

Lewis Hamilton has been cautioned that the Italian media, which has embraced him with enthusiasm ahead of his Ferrari debut, could turn against him swiftly if he fails to deliver results in his first few months with the team.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion was given a hero’s welcome upon his arrival at Maranello, with thousands of passionate fans eager to catch a glimpse of him in Ferrari red. The excitement surrounding his move has been immense, as Hamilton takes on the challenge of bringing the legendary team back to the top of the sport.

Ferrari’s last drivers’ championship came in 2007 when Kimi Raikkonen secured the title, and the Scuderia has since struggled to reclaim its dominance. Now, Hamilton’s arrival has reignited hope among fans that he could be the one to break the drought and add an eighth world title to his already historic career.

Despite being 40 years old, Hamilton appears to be rejuvenated by his new chapter at Ferrari. After pre-season testing, he expressed an overwhelming sense of optimism, even hinting that he might extend his racing career into his 50s. However, while Ferrari supporters dream of a fairytale ending for the British driver, not everyone is convinced that his tenure will be smooth sailing.

Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has poured cold water on the optimism surrounding Hamilton’s move, warning that the emotional nature of the Italian press means that their support could quickly turn into criticism if results don’t meet expectations.

“In contrast to Michael Schumacher, Lewis is already in the later stages of his career,” Schumacher told Sport1. “No one is immune to the passage of time, and we’ve already seen signs of that with Lewis, particularly in qualifying, where everything happens so fast.”

He went on to stress that the first six months of Hamilton’s Ferrari stint will be decisive. “The emotional Italian press will not give Lewis and Ferrari much time,” he added. “If things don’t go well in the first half of the season, the same media that welcomed him with open arms will quickly turn on him. Enthusiasm can quickly shift to criticism.”

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been widely viewed as a fitting final chapter for one of Formula 1’s most successful drivers. The combination of the sport’s most decorated driver and its most iconic team creates a compelling storyline, especially with Ferrari’s team principal Fred Vasseur—who played a role in Hamilton’s early career in GP2 (now F2)—leading the charge.

The pressure, however, is immense. Ferrari has been longing for a return to championship-winning form, and expectations are high. While Hamilton’s experience, skill, and winning mentality make him a strong candidate to bring success to the Scuderia, the challenge will be formidable. The team has struggled with consistency in recent years, and Hamilton will need both the car and the strategy to be at their best if he is to contend for the title.

For now, the excitement surrounding Hamilton’s Ferrari debut remains high. But as Schumacher warns, if results don’t come quickly, the same passion that welcomed him could turn into ruthless scrutiny. Whether Hamilton can meet the expectations placed upon him will be one of the biggest storylines of the 2025 Formula 1 season.