Hamilton's 'Worst Season Ever' at Ferrari Amid Las Vegas Struggles
Lewis Hamilton labeled his debut Ferrari season as the "worst ever" after a disappointing Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he qualified last and finished eighth. The seven-time world champion, facing his first year without a podium since 2007, expressed profound frustration, stating he felt "terrible" despite trying everything. Tyre management issues were cited as a key factor in his struggles, casting a shadow over his high-profile move to Ferrari and raising concerns for his future performance.
Lewis Hamilton described his debut campaign at Ferrari as "the worst season ever" after another disappointing weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion, who has been racing in Formula 1 since 2007, is set to finish a year without a Grand Prix podium finish for the first time—a major disappointment after his high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari.
Why it matters:
Lewis Hamilton, one of F1's most decorated drivers, is experiencing an unprecedented slump in form during his highly anticipated first season with Ferrari. This struggle not only impacts his personal legacy but also raises questions about Ferrari's ability to provide a championship-winning car, especially after such a significant driver move. His current performance marks a stark contrast to his illustrious career, prompting concerns for both the driver and the team's immediate future.
The Details:
- Las Vegas Performance: Hamilton qualified dead last after the slowest time in a rain-affected Q1. He finished the race in 10th, later upgraded to eighth after two McLarens were disqualified, but found "zero" satisfaction.
- Personal Struggles: Hamilton admitted, "I feel terrible. It's been the worst season ever, and no matter how much I try, it just keeps getting worse. I'm trying everything in and out of the car."
- Tyre Management Issues: Sky Sports F1's Bernie Collins highlighted tyre issues as a primary reason for his poor race. His early pit stop for medium tyres led to struggles, particularly in the final stint where he lost pace to rivals like Nico Hulkenberg.
- Teammate Comparison: Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc finished sixth (upgraded to fourth), underscoring the performance gap within the team.
- Championship Outlook: Hamilton expressed disinterest in the Constructors' Championship battle, stating, "I don't even know how many points we have, but at this rate, with my performance, we're done."
Between the lines:
This season marks a significant downturn for Hamilton, who for the first time in his F1 career will not secure a podium finish. His move to Ferrari, once heralded as a new era, has instead been fraught with challenges. The raw emotion in his post-race comments suggests a deep frustration that goes beyond a single bad weekend, reflecting a season-long battle with an uncooperative car and elusive performance.
What's next:
With the season-ending triple header continuing, Hamilton faces pressure to turn his fortunes around. Former teammate Jenson Button acknowledged this as a "tough moment" in Hamilton's career but hoped it was a blip. The team will need to urgently address the issues, particularly around tyre management and car setup, to prevent this slump from extending into the next season and potentially impacting Ferrari's long-term ambitions.