Lewis Hamilton Receives Boost Amidst 'Nightmare' Ferrari Start
Lewis Hamilton's inaugural season with Ferrari has been a "nightmare," as he describes it, struggling to find form and trailing teammate Charles Leclerc significantly. Despite the current challenges, former Williams deputy Claire Williams suggests that if anyone can turn this high-stakes transfer around and make it successful, it's the seven-time world champion, especially with major regulation changes set for 2026.
Lewis Hamilton has described his initial year at Ferrari as a "nightmare," a sentiment echoed by many observing his challenging transition. Former Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams, however, remains optimistic, suggesting that if anyone can make this high-profile move work, it's the seven-time world champion.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the most anticipated transfers in F1 history, aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth world championship and end Ferrari's long title drought. His current struggles raise questions about the immediate success of this partnership, but Williams's backing provides a crucial perspective on the long-term potential, especially with significant regulation changes on the horizon.
The details:
- Challenging Season Start: Hamilton has yet to secure a podium finish in the 2025 F1 season, currently trailing teammate Charles Leclerc by 66 points in the standings. His only notable success was a Sprint race win in China.
- Recent Setbacks: The Brazilian Grand Prix highlighted Ferrari's overall struggles, with Hamilton suffering floor damage and Leclerc being caught in a separate incident, contributing to a "painful experience" for the team.
- Hamilton's Perspective: Hamilton candidly described his experience as a "nightmare" mixed with the "dream" of driving for Ferrari, acknowledging the challenging ups and downs.
- Transition Difficulties: Claire Williams emphasized the inherent difficulty for drivers to switch teams, especially for someone like Hamilton who spent a long tenure at Mercedes, where he had significant influence in shaping the team.
- Cultural Adjustment: Williams noted the vastly different culture at Ferrari, an Italian team with immense fan passion (tifosi), requiring a substantial adjustment period even for a driver of Hamilton's caliber.
What's next:
Williams believes it's too early to judge the partnership, advocating for more time. The upcoming F1 2026 season, with its major chassis and engine regulation changes, represents a significant opportunity for Hamilton, Leclerc, and Ferrari to reset and potentially capitalize on shifts in the competitive order. If these changes align with Ferrari's development, Hamilton might yet turn his "nightmare" into a dream come true, making good on Williams's belief that "if anyone can make it work, it's probably going to be Lewis Hamilton."