Claire Williams: Lewis Hamilton Can Turn Around Ferrari Struggles
Despite a challenging debut season with Ferrari in 2025, former deputy team principal Claire Williams is confident Lewis Hamilton will eventually succeed with the Scuderia. Hamilton's move from Mercedes has seen him struggle for wins and podiums, but Williams believes his caliber and experience will allow him to overcome the cultural and operational differences and turn his fortunes around, fulfilling his 'childhood dream' in red.
Former deputy team principal Claire Williams believes Lewis Hamilton will eventually succeed at Ferrari, despite a challenging start to his 2025 season with the Scuderia. Hamilton's highly anticipated move from Mercedes has seen him struggle, currently P6 in the drivers' standings with no wins or podiums, significantly behind teammate Charles Leclerc. Williams emphasizes the difficulty for even experienced drivers to adapt to a new team's culture and operations.
Why it matters:
Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the most talked-about transfers in F1 history, seen as a chance for both the driver and the team to find new success. His current struggles, however, highlight the immense challenge of integrating into a new environment, even for a seven-time world champion. How he navigates this period will define a significant chapter of his career and Ferrari's immediate future.
The details:
- Hamilton ended a 12-year partnership with Mercedes, a team he helped build and where he secured six drivers' titles and eight constructors' championships.
- His 2025 season with Ferrari has been difficult, with the 40-year-old currently P6 in the drivers' standings on 148 points.
- He has yet to secure a Grand Prix win or a podium finish, trailing teammate Charles Leclerc by 66 points.
- Claire Williams noted that drivers often underestimate the difficulty of changing teams, particularly when moving to a team with a vastly different culture like Ferrari, which has its unique Italian identity and the passionate 'tifosi'.
- Hamilton's desire to join Ferrari was reportedly driven by a "childhood dream" to race in the iconic red overalls.
- He has just three races remaining in the season to secure a podium finish, aiming to avoid his first career season without one.
What's next:
While Hamilton's initial Ferrari season has been tough, Williams remains optimistic, suggesting that if anyone can make it work, it's Lewis Hamilton. The focus now shifts to the upcoming 2026 season and beyond, where Hamilton will have more time to fully integrate and potentially shape the team to his preferences, similar to how he influenced Mercedes in its early days. His ability to adapt and lead will be crucial for Ferrari's prospects in challenging for future championships.