Hamilton's Struggling Ferrari Debut Sparks Legacy Concerns

Lewis Hamilton's highly anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025 resulted in his worst statistical season in Formula 1, failing to secure a single Grand Prix podium and being comprehensively outperformed by teammate Charles Leclerc. The seven-time champion's struggles have led to warnings that continuing on a similar trajectory risks damaging his legendary status in the sport.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was seen as a final chapter to cement his legacy, but a debut season with zero podiums and a significant points deficit to his teammate has instead raised questions about his future. For a driver of his stature, prolonged underperformance at a new team can overshadow past achievements, making the coming seasons critical for how his career is ultimately remembered.

The details:

• Hamilton scored 156 points in 2025, his lowest total in a full season since his rookie year with McLaren in 2007.
• He was soundly beaten by Charles Leclerc, who secured multiple podiums and finished well ahead in the Drivers' Championship.
• His only highlight was a Sprint race win in China, which proved to be a false dawn for his season.
• Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert publicly stated that Hamilton is "in danger of tarnishing his legacy" and that the poor season "is probably the start of that."
• Herbert pointed to the difficulty of knowing when to retire, contrasting Nico Rosberg's decision to leave on a high after winning the 2016 title with drivers who struggle at the tail end of their careers.

The big picture:

Hamilton is now coming off three winless seasons in the last four years. His struggle to adapt to the Ferrari was evident from early races, with him warning of season-long problems in Saudi Arabia and later calling the campaign "a nightmare" in Brazil. Observers note a change in his demeanor, with Herbert commenting that Hamilton appears "completely lost and crushed" in interviews, a stark contrast to his typically confident and determined persona.

What's next:

All eyes are on 2026 and whether Hamilton can reverse this trend. The major regulatory reset provides Ferrari with a clean slate, but it also places immense pressure on Hamilton to demonstrate he can still compete at the highest level. The coming season will be a definitive test of his ability to overcome this challenge and shape the final narrative of his unparalleled career.