The highly anticipated move of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari has been met with a challenging start, as the seven-time world champion has found himself consistently trailing his teammate Charles Leclerc in the opening races of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Reports paint a picture of a significant performance disparity, with some observers labeling it an “extreme beating.”
The raw statistics from the first five Grands Prix of the year lay bare the difficulties Hamilton has encountered. In the crucial battle for grid position, Leclerc has held a clear upper hand, out-qualifying Hamilton in four out of the five events. This qualifying advantage has often translated into superior race results, with Leclerc finishing ahead of Hamilton in all races where both drivers reached the checkered flag.
The time differences further underscore Hamilton’s struggles. On average, he has been a notable 0.282 seconds slower than Leclerc in qualifying sessions. This gap has manifested even more starkly in race pace, with Hamilton finishing an average of 2.5 places behind his Monegasque teammate. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix served as a particularly difficult outing, with Hamilton crossing the finish line over 30 seconds adrift of Leclerc.
Adding to the concern are Hamilton’s own candid admissions of his struggles behind the wheel of the scarlet car. Following disappointing races, he has described his experiences as “horrible” and “not enjoyable,” citing a persistent lack of grip and balance that left him feeling like he was “just sliding around.” In a frank assessment after the Saudi Arabian race, Hamilton conceded that he currently lacks solutions to his woes, suggesting a potentially “painful” season ahead with “no fix” in sight at this stage.
Several factors appear to be contributing to Hamilton’s difficulties. He has specifically pointed to the need to adapt to Ferrari’s Brembo braking system and the distinct engine braking characteristics, a departure from his long tenure with Mercedes. Furthermore, Hamilton has openly stated that he is “just not gelling with the car,” indicating a fundamental challenge in finding a comfortable and effective driving style with the SF-25.
Conversely, Leclerc’s familiarity with the Ferrari machinery is undoubtedly playing a significant role. Having been with the team for several seasons, the Monegasque driver possesses a deep understanding of the car’s intricacies and how to extract its maximum performance. This existing synergy provides him with a clear advantage in these early stages of the season.
Former Formula 1 driver and now pundit Ralf Schumacher has echoed the sentiment of many, noting that the performance gap between the two Ferrari drivers is “more extreme” than he had anticipated. While Hamilton did secure a victory in the sprint race in China, his overall performance in the main Grands Prix has fallen short of expectations, particularly when measured against the consistent pace of his teammate.
Despite the concerning statistics and Hamilton’s own frustrations, Ferrari maintains a publicly supportive stance. Team Principal Fred Vasseur has expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to adapt and find his rhythm. However, the initial chapter of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari career has undoubtedly presented a steeper learning curve than many envisioned, leaving the seven-time world champion facing an “extreme beating” as he strives to unlock the full potential of his new steed. The coming races will be crucial in determining whether Hamilton can bridge the gap to Leclerc and begin to challenge at the front of the grid.
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