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Former F1 Champ Expresses Concern About Lewis Hamilton at Struggling Ferrari: 'Doesn't Seem Himself'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 2:56 PM ET

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was billed as a fairytale finish to a legendary career. But just nine races into the 2025 season, the reality is proving far more difficult and now questions are being raised about whether the seven-time world champion is losing his spark.

“It’s not a happy place for Lewis Hamilton. Spain was hard to watch,” 1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve was quoted by Crash.net following the Spanish Grand Prix.

Villeneuve didn’t hold back, suggesting Hamilton no longer looks like the fierce competitor fans are used to. “It’s hard to understand because he has shown the speed, he’s qualified, but it’s not consistent. And it seems that he is doubting himself. Even when he speaks, he doesn’t seem full of energy.”

The remarks come as Ferrari continues to struggle delivering a truly competitive car. Hamilton remains winless in 2025, while Charles Leclerc has secured a handful of podiums but sits a distant fifth in the championship. The Italian team has failed to convert preseason hype into results, leaving both drivers visibly frustrated.

Villeneuve also criticized Ferrari’s broader trajectory, saying the team has been “promising upgrades” for years without major progress. “It really pans out. It’s been years of this, and they haven’t figured it out yet.”

He added that internal dynamics between Hamilton and Leclerc could be complicating the team’s progress. “If the two drivers don’t work the same way, that makes it a little bit more difficult.”

Lewis Hamilton appears to have liked a post which is critical of his Ferrari F1 team

ferraripilots (IG) posted their thoughts on Hamilton and Ferrari’s season so far, saying there’s a “deep sense of disappointment” and that the car “lacks the consistency and pace Lewis needs” pic.twitter.com/13ETEkfwKG
— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) June 11, 2025

Hamilton, who joined Ferrari this year on a multi-season deal, has yet to publicly express serious frustration but signs of strain are becoming harder to ignore.

With major regulation changes set for 2026, the clock is already ticking on Ferrari’s ability to give him a car worthy of an eighth title push.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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