Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated debut season with Ferrari has turned into a nightmare that no one could have foreseen. The seven-time world champion’s switch to the iconic Scuderia was hailed as a potential revival of his legacy, especially after he was cruelly denied his eighth world title in 2021. Hopes soared that 2025 could see him ascend back to the pinnacle of Formula 1. Instead, we are witnessing a season fraught with disappointment as Hamilton finds himself grappling with the harsh reality of his worst performance in nearly two decades of racing.
Hamilton’s struggles have left fans and even his fellow competitors in disbelief. The championship icon has endured a year marked by an absence from the podium, a stark contrast to the expectations that surrounded his move to Ferrari. As the F1 community reflects on the season, it is clear that even rival drivers had faith in Hamilton and Ferrari’s potential to shine. Pierre Gasly and Ollie Bearman, among others, had high hopes for the Scuderia, which they publicly documented before the season commenced.
In an intriguing twist, Gasly and Bearman participated in a pre-season prediction game, jotting down their expectations for 2025. These predictions were later sealed in envelopes and revealed during the Abu Dhabi event, adding an element of suspense to their forecasts. Bearman, who has deep ties to Ferrari from his junior career, expressed optimism, stating, “Ferrari to win the constructors,” a prediction that fell woefully short of reality. Gasly, meanwhile, candidly admitted, “I’m sorry to the Ferrari fans, but I put Ferrari world champion. I think I got that one wrong,” underscoring the widespread belief that Ferrari would be a formidable force this season.
Now, as Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari draws to a close, whispers of a potential exit are echoing through the paddock. If the team fails to deliver a competitive car in 2026, the champion may be forced to reconsider his future. Among the names being floated as possible replacements is none other than Bearman himself, whose impressive rookie season has caught the attention of many as a viable option for Ferrari’s next chapter.
Despite the turmoil, Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc remain resolute in their commitment to clawing back success for Ferrari. With the 2026 regulation changes looming, a busy winter lies ahead for the team as they scramble to regain their competitive edge. The stakes have never been higher, and the pressure is mounting for Hamilton and Ferrari to turn the tide and restore their place at the forefront of Formula 1 racing. The world will be watching closely as this storied team navigates through a challenging period, hoping for a resurgence that fans have longed for.
