Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Nightmare Continues

Lewis Hamilton's wait for a podium finish with Ferrari continues to stretch, potentially leading to an unwanted record for the seven-time world champion. His performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix epitomized his ongoing struggles, marked by a Q2 exit, multiple collisions, and an early retirement from the race.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was envisioned as a dream partnership, but it has quickly turned into a "nightmare" by his own admission. The extended period without a podium challenges his legacy and raises questions about his future competitiveness, especially as the team looks towards the crucial 2026 regulations.

The details:

• Unwanted Record: If Hamilton eventually secures a podium with Ferrari (expected by 2026), he will hold the record for the longest time needed by a Ferrari driver to achieve their first podium with the team.
• Brazilian GP Struggles: The Grand Prix was a low point, featuring:
  • A Q2 exit, qualifying 13th for the main race.
  • Two first-lap collisions: one with former teammate Carlos Sainz and another inexplicable incident with Franco Colapinto.
  • An early retirement, parking his Ferrari in the garage before the end of the race.
• Mental Toll: Hamilton candidly admitted to not being "great" mentally, describing the weekend as "another write-off weekend."
• "Self-Fulfilling Prophecy": His expectation of a bad Sunday seemingly materialized, highlighting a potential mental block or lack of confidence.
• Contrast with Ambition: The move to Maranello was meant to fulfill a final career dream, not to extend a streak of disappointing results.

Between the lines:

Hamilton's public statements, such as "It's a nightmare. I've been living it for a while," and "I've got to believe" rather than "I believe," suggest an external pressure to maintain optimism despite internal doubts. This contrasts sharply with the inner strength and conviction that defined his dominant years at Mercedes. His current struggles are not just about car performance but also appear to be impacting his mental game, leading to avoidable errors and early race exits.

What's next:

With only three races left in the season, the immediate outlook for Hamilton and Ferrari remains uncertain. Overcoming these "hardships" will require a significant shift in performance, strategy, and potentially, Hamilton's own mindset. If the podium-less streak continues, it will intensify scrutiny on his decision to join Ferrari and whether he can truly rediscover the form that made him a seven-time world champion. The focus will soon shift to Project 678 and the 2026 regulations, which Ferrari hopes will offer a fresh start and a return to championship contention.