For many, the move of British driver Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari was seen as a dream come true. However, the reality turned out to be far from idyllic. Lewis Hamilton’s dream move to Ferrari turned into a nightmare season. The veteran driver, with his sights set on a record-breaking eighth Formula 1 title, found himself struggling on the track, failing to make it to the podium in a Grand Prix race.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (left) chats with fellow driver Lewis Hamilton (centre) ahead of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images
A Season of Struggles
In the 24 main F1 races of the season, Hamilton did not finish higher than fourth. Despite winning a short-format sprint race in China in March, he took no pole positions and placed a disappointing sixth in the F1 standings. His struggles were so intense that at one point, he even suggested that Ferrari replace him with another driver.
His frustrations were often palpable in his exchanges with Ferrari race engineer Ricciardo Adami on the team radio. In one instance, Hamilton told him to “have a tea break” during the Miami GP in May, suggesting his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance.
Confidence Shaken
Hamilton’s struggles on the track took a toll on his confidence. Following a disappointing qualifying session at the Hungarian GP in early August, Hamilton told British broadcaster Sky Sports, “I’m useless, absolutely useless.” He even suggested that Ferrari might need to change drivers, as his teammate Charles Leclerc was performing significantly better.
Ferrari’s drivers Lewis Hamilton (left) and Charles Leclerc (right) speak before the season-ending race on Sunday in Abu Dhabi.Jakub Porzycki/Reuters
Pressing On Despite Challenges
Despite the challenges, Hamilton remained determined. He reportedly held crucial talks with Ferrari’s leaders, demanding improvements. He also compiled a document outlining structural adjustments needed for the team and issues he had with the car. Unfortunately, these efforts did not translate into better performance on the track. Hamilton finished the season with a series of disappointments, including a crash at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix due to a driver error.
However, Hamilton remains resilient, vowing to fight on. He stated, “It’s been a tough season, but the kindness and hard work of everyone at Ferrari means a lot to me. I stand with the team and know we have better times ahead.”

