The highly anticipated collaboration between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari has failed to live up to expectations midway through the 2025 Formula 1 season. Former F1 driver and analyst Jolyon Palmer expressed disappointment on the F1 Nation podcast, stating that Hamilton’s performance has been far from his best. Many had hoped that the move would reignite both Hamilton’s career and Ferrari’s title aspirations, but the partnership is facing growing scrutiny due to underwhelming results.
Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari was a major moment in the sport, representing a bold step in his pursuit of an eighth world title. After achieving tremendous success with Mercedes, his move to Ferrari was seen as a chance to help the team return to its former glory. However, Palmer and others believe the transition has been rocky, with neither Hamilton nor Ferrari living up to the high hopes that surrounded the move.
Currently ranked sixth in the drivers’ standings, Hamilton trails behind teammate Charles Leclerc, who has managed multiple podium finishes. This contrast highlights not just Hamilton’s personal struggles but also Ferrari’s inconsistent performance. While the SF-25 car has shown promise, Hamilton has yet to maximize its potential, often falling short in qualifying and failing to break into the top three on race day.
Palmer also criticized Ferrari’s broader performance compared to rivals like McLaren and Red Bull. Despite investing in Hamilton’s talent and experience, Ferrari still appears to be behind in strategy and car development. McLaren, in particular, has made significant gains, leaving Ferrari in a state of transition with results not matching their ambitions or investments.
Despite the setbacks, Hamilton remains optimistic. He acknowledges the difficult season but believes in Ferrari’s long-term vision. While critics like Palmer call for immediate improvement, Hamilton sees this as a foundational year, hoping to eventually lead Ferrari back to championship contention. As the
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