Ted Kravitz Dissects Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Struggles
F1 insider Ted Kravitz suggests Lewis Hamilton's difficult Ferrari debut stemmed from a belief he could easily import his Mercedes-winning formula, a miscalculation that met a harsh reality.
Lewis Hamilton's challenging debut season at Ferrari was rooted in a miscalculated belief that he could seamlessly apply his Mercedes expertise to revive the team, according to Sky F1's Ted Kravitz. The insider claims Hamilton initially felt he had the full backing of leadership, a perception that shifted late in the season, leaving the seven-time champion to regroup and focus on a potential comeback in 2026.
Why it matters:
- Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the most significant driver transfers in F1 history, carrying immense weight and expectation from fans and the paddock alike.
- The struggles highlight the immense difficulty of succeeding in a new team environment, even for a driver of Hamilton's caliber, suggesting that cultural integration is as crucial as raw speed.
- Ferrari's ability to build a competitive car around Hamilton is now critical not just for their 2026 ambitions, but potentially for the final chapter of one of the sport's greatest careers.
The details:
- A Miscalculated Approach: Kravitz reports that Hamilton believed he could simply import his decade of Mercedes-winning knowledge and experience, making only minor adjustments to return Ferrari to the top.
- Shifting Support: The seven-time champion reportedly felt he had the complete backing of Ferrari chairman John Elkann and team principal Fred Vasseur. This perception allegedly changed after comments from Elkann in late September or October.
- Motivation for the Move: The primary drivers for Hamilton's switch were a longer-term contract than what Mercedes was offering and the promise of a car capable of winning races.
- On-Track Reality: The difficult season was reflected in the results, with Hamilton failing to secure a single podium finish and experiencing a late-season slump that saw him eliminated in the first round of qualifying for the final three races.
What's next:
Despite the setbacks, Kravitz believes Hamilton will remain with the Scuderia, shifting his focus entirely toward the 2026 season and the next generation of regulations. Hamilton's ultimate goal remains unchanged: to extract maximum performance from the Ferrari and prove he can be as quick, if not quicker, than his teammate Charles Leclerc.