Hamilton’s Ferrari Dream Turning Sour? Pundit Suggests Shock Exit THIS YEAR
The Formula 1 world is abuzz with speculation following a bombshell claim from former driver and Sky Sports Germany pundit Ralf Schumacher: Lewis Hamilton could sensationally quit Ferrari this year. Just a handful of races into his highly anticipated tenure with the Scuderia, the seven-time world champion has endured a frustrating start to the 2025 season, prompting questions about his commitment and the potential for an early departure.
Hamilton himself has been uncharacteristically candid about his struggles behind the wheel of the Ferrari. Following a disappointing seventh-place finish at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the British driver described his experience as “horrible” and “painful,” lamenting a persistent lack of grip and balance in the SF-25. This starkly contrasts with the performance of his teammate, Charles Leclerc, who secured a podium finish in the same race, highlighting that the car possesses inherent pace.
Schumacher, never one to shy away from a strong opinion, believes that Hamilton’s visible frustration could lead to drastic action. “If there are no improvements, and if the car remains as difficult to drive as Hamilton describes, then I can well imagine that he throws in the towel this year,” Schumacher stated. He further suggested that Hamilton is currently “not coping with the car,” a concerning assessment for a driver of his legendary status.
The move to Ferrari was heralded as a new chapter in Hamilton’s illustrious career, a chance to chase a record-breaking eighth world championship with one of motorsport’s most iconic teams. His multi-year contract, reportedly a lucrative deal, underlined the long-term ambition of both driver and team. However, the initial races have thrown a spanner in the works.
Hamilton has acknowledged that there is “no quick fix” to the issues he is facing, hinting that the current handling characteristics of the Ferrari might persist throughout the season. This admission, coupled with his visible disappointment, has fueled the speculation ignited by Schumacher’s comments.
Interestingly, reports have also emerged regarding a “no-poaching” clause within Hamilton’s Ferrari contract. This clause reportedly prevents him from bringing key members of his former Mercedes team to Maranello while they are still under contract. This could be contributing to a longer adjustment period for Hamilton as he navigates a new team and technical environment without his familiar support network.
While Leclerc’s strong performance indicates the Ferrari has the potential to compete at the front, Hamilton’s struggles raise serious questions. Can the team address the specific issues hindering the veteran driver? Will Hamilton’s patience wear thin if the performance doesn’t improve?
It’s crucial to remember that Schumacher’s comments are, at this stage, pundit speculation. Lewis Hamilton himself has not publicly voiced any desire to leave Ferrari prematurely. However, the combination of his on-track frustrations and the experienced pundit’s assessment has undoubtedly sent ripples through the Formula 1 community.
The upcoming races will be critical in shaping the narrative of Hamilton’s Ferrari journey. Will the team find solutions to unlock his potential in the SF-25? Or could we witness the unthinkable – a premature end to one of the most anticipated driver-team pairings in recent F1 history? The world will be watching with bated breath.
Be the first to comment