Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025 was supposed to mark a triumphant new chapter for the seven-time world champion.
Fans and pundits alike envisioned Hamilton donning the iconic red overalls, adding a final, glorious chapter to his already illustrious career. The pairing of one of Formula 1’s most successful drivers with the sport’s most storied team seemed like a match made in motorsport heaven.
However, reality has not lived up to the hype — at least not yet. The Briton’s early races with the Scuderia have yielded underwhelming results, both in qualifying and on race day, with one notable exception: Hamilton’s Sprint race victory in China. That glimpse of brilliance has, so far, been the anomaly rather than the rule.
The SF-25, Ferrari’s 2025 challenger, simply hasn’t clicked for Hamilton in the way many hoped it would. His frustrations have been palpable. After finishing a disappointing seventh in Saudi Arabia, Hamilton was visibly dejected. Yet, rather than point fingers at the car or the team, he showed maturity and accountability, admitting that he was struggling particularly on Saturdays during qualifying sessions.
“Every Saturday has been a challenge,” he confessed, highlighting the difficulty he’s faced in extracting maximum performance from the car over a single lap.
The struggles have not gone unnoticed across the paddock. Hamilton’s body language, his guarded post-race interviews, and occasional flashes of irritation are reminiscent of his final two seasons at Mercedes. During that period, a mixture of underperforming machinery and internal team dynamics appeared to drain some of his trademark energy and positivity.
Despite the rocky beginning, there are signs that the long-term picture could be much brighter. Ferrari ambassador and former F1 driver Marc Gene has offered a much-needed dose of optimism, painting a very different picture of Hamilton’s early impact on the team — one that goes far beyond what’s visible on the track.
A Positive Influence Behind the Scenes
Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Gene provided a rare, insider’s view of Hamilton’s integration into the Ferrari family. His comments suggest that while the results may not yet show it, Hamilton’s influence is already being felt where it matters most: behind closed doors.
“It’s very early days with Lewis,” Gene explained, tempering expectations but also hinting at the work being done beneath the surface. “He won the Sprint in China, which was amazing. I’m just getting to know him, but no one can doubt his talent.”
Gene pointed to Hamilton’s adaptability as a key strength during this challenging transition.
“He’s very experienced, and you can really see he knows what he needs,” Gene continued. “That’s why, from Melbourne to China, he made a huge improvement because coming from another team, it really is not easy.”
The Ferrari ambassador also stressed the particular difficulty of switching teams in the current era of Formula 1.
“With the current Formula 1 regulations, you cannot test as much as before. It’s so hard to change teams and get used to the dynamics, to get used to a new steering wheel, to different engineers, to a new way of doing things. That takes time.”
Gene’s words offer an important reminder that even a driver of Hamilton’s caliber cannot shortcut the process of building chemistry with a new team — especially one as unique as Ferrari. His role as ambassador gives him intimate access to the day-to-day workings of the Scuderia, making his perspective much more grounded than the often sensationalized headlines that feed on negativity for clicks.
Beyond the technical challenges, Hamilton has also had to adjust to Ferrari’s singular atmosphere — something no other team in Formula 1 can replicate.
“There’s a lot of pressure at Ferrari,” Gene emphasized. “There’s no other team in the world where you have to cope with so much pressure, but as a driver, he’s going to experience things that he never experienced before.”
Gene shared an anecdote about Hamilton’s first visit to Fiorano, Ferrari’s legendary test track, where the streets had to be closed because of the number of fans who turned out to catch a glimpse of their new star signing.
“This, at the end of the day, is nice,” Gene added with a smile, acknowledging that while the pressure can be intense, the passion and love from the Ferrari fanbase are unlike anything else in motorsport.
Despite the high expectations, Gene insisted that Ferrari is doing everything in its power to help Hamilton settle in and feel at home.
“He has a very good team around him, but I don’t think it’s difficult for him. We are making sure that he adapts to the Ferrari world very fast,” Gene said.
Indeed, Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari was as much about fulfilling a lifelong dream as it was about seeking a fresh competitive challenge.
“We are very proud at Ferrari that he chose not to retire from Formula 1 without living his dream of being part of the Ferrari family. I think that’s part of Ferrari’s DNA,” Gene said. “Everybody dreams one day of driving a Ferrari.”
The sentiment is one that resonates deeply, not just with fans, but with Hamilton himself. Throughout his career, he has spoken reverently about Ferrari’s mystique. Now, even amid struggles, there’s a sense that Hamilton is determined to make this chapter a success — not just for himself, but for the entire Tifosi.
Patience Is Key
For now, patience will be crucial. The combination of Hamilton’s relentless work ethic, his unparalleled racing instincts, and Ferrari’s commitment to giving him the right tools suggests that the best may yet be to come.
Transitions of this magnitude rarely yield instant results in Formula 1. Michael Schumacher’s early years at Ferrari were also fraught with challenges, yet he ultimately built a dynasty that changed the sport forever. Hamilton’s journey could follow a similar arc, but it will require time, trust, and resilience.
As Ferrari continues its quest to return to championship glory, the team seems convinced they have the right man for the job — not just on Sundays when the world is watching, but every day, behind the scenes, where champions are truly made.
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