Lewis Hamilton edges closer to Ferrari’s unwanted podium record

It is the longest podium drought of Hamilton’s storied career and a stark contrast to the expectations surrounding his 2025 switch from Mercedes. 

His last top-three finish and race win came at Silverstone in 2024, and while there have been glimpses of competitiveness, most notably a sprint race victory in Shanghai this season, the Briton has been unable to deliver when it has counted most.

The historical parallels are striking. Pironi endured 19 races before securing his first Ferrari podium in the early 1980s, while Gilles Villeneuve needed 14. Hamilton has now matched Villeneuve’s tally and is closing in on Pironi’s unenviable record.

Frustration is beginning to seep into the open. Hamilton has been unusually self-critical, branding himself “useless” after recent struggles and even hinting Ferrari might be better served by replacing him. 

The comments underline both the depth of his frustration and the gravity of Ferrari’s predicament.

“It’s me every time. I’m useless, absolutely useless,” Hamilton said ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, via The Guardian. “The team have no problem. You’ve seen the car’s on pole. So we probably need to change driver.”

Yet the picture is not solely defined by results. Inside Maranello, Hamilton has taken on a leadership role, working closely with team principal Fred Vasseur on car development and seeking to instill a new culture.

Ferrari insiders have praised Hamilton's meticulous approach and his willingness to go the extra mile in shaping the team’s direction and future success.

Still, Formula 1 is judged in podiums and points, and Ferrari’s inconsistent form has left Hamilton increasingly exposed to unflattering comparisons with the team’s past.

As the season unfolds, the stakes only grow. Hamilton’s pursuit of a first Ferrari podium, the team’s need to validate its marquee signing and the looming shadow of Pironi’s record are set to dominate the months ahead.

If the drought continues, Hamilton risks etching his name into Ferrari folklore for all the wrong reasons, a reminder that even the sport’s most decorated champion is not immune to its unforgiving realities.