Hamilton's Ferrari Dream Turns Sour
Lewis Hamilton's highly anticipated move to Ferrari has developed into what the seven-time world champion himself describes as a 'nightmare' scenario. The British racing icon, who switched from Mercedes to the Prancing Horse for the 2025 season, has endured a profoundly difficult debut year with the Italian outfit.
With just three Grand Prix remaining in the current campaign, Hamilton sits sixth in the Drivers' Championship and has remarkably failed to secure either a race victory or podium finish for his new team. This represents a stark contrast to the dream scenario both driver and team envisioned when announcing their blockbuster partnership.
Mounting Pressure and Internal Tensions
The subpar performances appear to have rattled the typically unflappable F1 legend's composure. Following his retirement from the Sao Paulo GP after just 37 laps, Hamilton gave a remarkably candid assessment of his situation. 'This is a nightmare and I've been living it for a while,' the 40-year-old confessed. 'The flip between the dream of driving for this amazing team and then the nightmare of the results that we've had.'
These public expressions of frustration have not gone unnoticed within Ferrari's hierarchy. Team chief John Elkann recently appeared to deliver a pointed response when he advised Formula 1 drivers they should 'talk less' during an address in Milan. Elkann stated: 'They should focus on driving and talk less. We still have a few races left, and it's not impossible to finish second.'
Divided Opinions and Replacement Speculation
While Hamilton has found support from former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who insists Ferrari should heed the champion's technical advice, not everyone shares this sympathetic view. Ralf Schumacher has gone as far as suggesting a potential replacement for the struggling star.
Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast, Schumacher identified young British driver Oliver Bearman as a logical successor. 'With Lewis Hamilton, I simply believe that you have to see it this way,' Schumacher argued. 'He makes a lot of mistakes, and his speed is OK, but not better than that. And now I see a young Bearman doing wonders with the Haas, and he costs a fraction of what Lewis Hamilton costs.'
Schumacher highlighted the financial aspect, noting Hamilton's salary exceeds £60 million annually, while suggesting Ferrari might prefer to invest in developing young talent like Bearman ahead of the 2026 regulation changes. 'We have a young driver who is pushing for the brand; we can build something with the rule change for the future,' he added.
As the season approaches its conclusion, the scrutiny surrounding Hamilton's Ferrari future intensifies, creating one of the most compelling narratives in contemporary motorsport.
