Hamilton's Struggles at Ferrari Continue
Hamilton’s Disappointing Qualifying Results
Lewis Hamilton has voiced concerns about his performance in qualifying this season with Ferrari, suggesting it is less effective than in his final year with Mercedes. After a long tenure with Mercedes, where he secured six World Championships, Hamilton made the switch to Ferrari, hoping for a fresh start in the 2025 championship.
However, early results suggest that Hamilton's qualifying speed is lacking. Having already lost significantly to teammate George Russell last year, he now finds himself trailing teammate Charles Leclerc in the qualifying standings 3-1 this season. His performance during qualifying in Bahrain left him six-tenths behind Leclerc, who finished impressively ahead.
Reflections on Performance
In a media interaction following the qualifying session, Hamilton expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, indicating, "I’m just not doing a good enough job on my side, so I’ve just got to keep improving." His remarks echo a sentiment he voiced last year when he admitted to feeling slow during competitive sessions.
Despite finishing the Bahrain Grand Prix in fifth place after making up several positions during the race, Hamilton did not clinch a podium. He noted that while his starting position matched last year’s performance at the same track, the experience felt significantly worse compared to his time at Mercedes.
A Changing Environment
The new era at Ferrari has also brought different challenges. While Hamilton is eager to get back to racing after a busy pre-season filled with promotions, he acknowledged the difficulty of adjusting to a different team's dynamics. He remarked, " It’s been really nice to be at these races, to be honest... it’s been nice to get back to what I love doing most."
Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok commented on Hamilton's struggles, noting that his demeanor and expressions in interviews are reminiscent of his challenging last season with Mercedes. It raised questions about whether Hamilton will overcome similar obstacles with Ferrari.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Hamilton is determined to improve his on-track performance, maintaining hope that he can turn things around as the season progresses. His efforts to adapt to the Ferrari machinery will be critical as he aims to regain his competitive edge and deliver results that reflect his talent and experience.
