Lewis Hamilton: 'With my performance, Ferrari is done' for 2025 F1 runner-up

Lewis Hamilton delivered arguably his most downbeat interviews of the 2025 Formula 1 season, taking “zero” consolation from his comeback drive at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion finished 10th after a disastrous qualifying and is currently sixth in the championship, 73 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc. This season, Hamilton claims to be trying “everything, in and out of the car” but his struggles continue, leaving him bewildered and dreading the remainder of the season.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's uncharacteristically grim assessment highlights the profound challenges he's facing in his debut year at Ferrari. His public declaration of despair, including comments like feeling “terrible” and that the season “just keeps getting worse,” signals a potential crisis of confidence for one of F1's most decorated drivers. This struggle not only impacts his individual performance but also casts a shadow over Ferrari's aspirations, particularly their slim chances of securing P2 in the Constructors' Championship.

The Details:

• Las Vegas Performance: Hamilton finished 10th after starting 20th due to a Q1 qualifying incident where he failed to cross the line in time for a final flying lap in wet conditions.
• Season-Long Struggles: Hamilton is currently sixth in the championship, yet to score a Grand Prix podium, and trails teammate Charles Leclerc by 73 points.
• Post-Race Interview: He described his 10th-place finish as “zero” satisfaction and “meaningless,” calling it “still a bad weekend” with “no positives.”
• Team Outlook: When asked about Ferrari's chances of securing second in the Constructors' standings, Hamilton stated, “at this rate, with my performance, we're done.”
• Constructors' Standings: Ferrari is currently fourth, 20 points behind third-placed Red Bull and 52 points adrift of runner-up Mercedes.
• Teammate's View: Charles Leclerc, despite his own disappointment with a sixth-place finish, found solace in his personal performance, calling it “probably the best race of the season in terms of personal performance,” despite the SF-25's struggles in wet qualifying.

Between the lines:

Hamilton's candid and unusually bleak commentary suggests a deeper struggle than just on-track performance. His bewilderment at his persistent difficulties despite trying “everything” hints at a disconnect with the car or team dynamics that he hasn't previously experienced to this extent. His dismissive tone regarding any positives from the race and his pessimism about Ferrari's P2 hopes are striking, coming from a driver renowned for his resilience and positive mindset. This public display of frustration might indicate underlying issues within the team's operations or car development that are exacerbating his personal challenges.

What's next:

With only two Grands Prix remaining in the season (Qatar and Abu Dhabi), Ferrari faces an uphill battle to improve its position in the Constructors' Championship. Hamilton's current mindset suggests a difficult end to the year for him personally. The off-season will be crucial for both Hamilton and Ferrari to re-evaluate and reset, addressing the issues that have plagued his debut season. The focus will undoubtedly shift to how the team can leverage Leclerc's relative performance and resolve the challenges impacting Hamilton, ensuring a stronger start to the next season.