Jenson Button Sees Lewis Hamilton Closing in on Ferrari Breakthrough

Jenson Button believes Lewis Hamilton is on the cusp of a significant breakthrough with Ferrari, citing recent improvements in his qualifying and race pace compared to teammate Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton recently described his inaugural season with Ferrari as a "nightmare," marked by a DNF in Brazil after contact with Carlos Sainz and Franco Colapinto, which also incurred a penalty. He remains without a Grand Prix podium, with only three races left to maintain his record of achieving at least one podium in every F1 season of his career.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's struggles and potential turnaround at Ferrari are a central narrative in the current F1 season. A strong finish could not only salvage his personal record but also provide crucial momentum for Ferrari as they look ahead to future seasons. His ability to adapt and find pace, even in a challenging car, speaks to his championship pedigree and could signal a shift in the team's fortunes.

The details:

• Recent Performance Uptick: After a challenging period, including self-proclaimed "useless" performances and suggesting Ferrari should sign "another driver" after qualifying 12th in Hungary, Hamilton's single-lap pace has significantly improved.
• Qualifying Gap Narrowing: In the seven races since the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton's fastest qualifying laps are, on average, just 0.102 seconds slower than Leclerc's, despite trailing 6-1 in their head-to-head qualifying matchups. He out-qualified Leclerc in Singapore.
• Best Qualifying Result: Hamilton secured third on the grid in Mexico, his best qualifying result of the season, though an in-race penalty cost him a legitimate shot at a podium.
• Button's Perspective: Jenson Button, Hamilton's former teammate and 2009 champion, attributes Hamilton's initial struggles to adapting to a new car's unique driving style. He notes that every driver faces challenges when switching teams.
• Learning from Teammates: Button highlighted Hamilton's history of learning from teammates, from Fernando Alonso's driving techniques to Nico Rosberg's ruthlessness, suggesting this adaptability will help him overcome current hurdles.

What's next:

With only three races remaining, the focus is squarely on whether Hamilton can secure that elusive podium to extend his remarkable career record. Button is optimistic, stating that Hamilton and Ferrari just need to "fine-tune it a little bit, to not have the little mistakes in qualifying and not affect the lap." A podium, or even a victory, would be a huge boost for Hamilton, Ferrari, and the sport as a whole, setting a positive tone for the upcoming seasons.

Between the lines:

Hamilton's candid admission of struggling and his subsequent improvement demonstrate his relentless pursuit of perfection. This period of adaptation, while frustrating for a driver of his caliber, could ultimately strengthen his understanding of the Ferrari machinery and pave the way for more consistent top performances in the future. The subtle shift in pace relative to Leclerc suggests he's closing in on unlocking the car's full potential.