
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has expressed concern over Lewis Hamilton’s challenging transition to Ferrari, admitting that watching the seven-time world champion struggle has been “uncomfortable.” After 12 races in the 2025 season, Hamilton has yet to secure a podium in a full grand prix, a surprising situation considering the fanfare surrounding his high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari
While Hamilton did manage a sprint race win in China and another sprint podium in Miami, he remains behind teammate Charles Leclerc in both performance and points. Leclerc has already racked up four grand prix podiums and leads Hamilton by 16 points. Expectations were high when Hamilton joined the legendary Maranello outfit, but adapting to the car and team dynamics has proven more difficult than anticipated.
At Silverstone, there was renewed hope as Hamilton showed strong pace, matching the McLarens for speed throughout the weekend. However, wet race conditions derailed Ferrari’s strategy, costing Hamilton a shot at the podium. Despite the setback, his competitiveness at the British Grand Prix gave fans and pundits a reason to be optimistic.
Coulthard noted that Hamilton’s recent alignment with Leclerc’s car setup could be a contributing factor to his improved performance. However, he also questioned whether Hamilton’s boost in form was down to genuine progress or simply the advantage of racing on home soil, where crowd energy and familiarity may have played a role.
In summary, Coulthard remains hopeful that Hamilton can regain top form, but acknowledges the stark contrast between the British driver and his teammate so far this season. The former Red Bull and McLaren driver emphasized that while a fast Ferrari benefits the sport, seeing Hamilton consistently beaten has been difficult, especially given the champion’s storied career and expectations with his new team.