Lewis Hamilton Warned to Bring Passion to…. read more
Lewis Hamilton has been cautioned about his lacklustre start to life at Ferrari, with critics saying he must bring energy and passion if he hopes to make the partnership a success. The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion has found it difficult to match teammate Charles Leclerc during the early stages of the 2025 season, casting doubt on his hopes of securing a record-breaking eighth title.
Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari was one of the most anticipated moves in recent F1 history, but the optimism has quickly faded after six underwhelming races. The Briton has publicly admitted that his struggles are largely due to his own inability to adapt to the Ferrari SF-25 car. He has yet to provide a clear timeline on when improvements might come.
Tensions also surfaced in Miami, where Hamilton expressed frustration over the team’s indecisive pit wall communication. He criticized Ferrari for what he described as poor teamwork, indicating a growing rift between the driver and the team’s operational side.
Former F1 Champion Jacques Villeneuve believes Hamilton’s current attitude is damaging both his image and credibility. Speaking to Vision4Sport, Villeneuve pointed out that Hamilton’s apologetic tone and visible dissatisfaction could be interpreted as a lack of commitment.
“You can hear that Lewis Hamilton is not happy at all,” Villeneuve said. “Charles Leclerc has been stepping up more and more. And you can hear it in Lewis’s comments, ‘I’m sorry’. Once a driver starts saying this, like Lando Norris did, people start to doubt their drive and commitment. It hurts your credibility.”
Villeneuve went on to explain that Ferrari, known for its emotionally charged and high-pressure environment, may not respond well to a driver who appears disheartened. “Ferrari are like a volcano. You need fireworks, passion, and a spark to light things up. If you don’t bring that, it becomes a problem. Ferrari don’t have much patience.”
Hamilton faced similar issues at Mercedes in 2024, where he was also outperformed by his teammate George Russell. However, his long-standing relationship with Mercedes afforded him some leeway. At Ferrari, he has no such legacy to fall back on, making it crucial for him to quickly establish his presence and show he’s still capable of delivering top-tier performances.
As Ferrari fans and leadership grow impatient, all eyes are on Hamilton to rediscover his form, enthusiasm, and the trademark flair that once made him nearly unbeatable on the track.
