Hamilton’s challenging year at Ferrari sparks speculation on future direction
Formula One veteran Lewis Hamilton has endured a difficult season with Ferrari, leading to questions about his future in the sport. His struggles culminated in what he termed his “worst season ever,” finishing in eighth place in the season finale in Abu Dhabi without securing a single podium finish, reports BritPanorama.
Johnny Herbert, a former F1 driver, noted Hamilton’s evident frustration with his performances this year, which has made for tough viewing for fans and pundits alike. “I’ve never seen him as grumpy,” Herbert remarked during a recent interview. “So there is that frustration that he’s having at Ferrari at the moment,” he added.
The 40-year-old Hamilton faced mounting pressure as teammate Charles Leclerc consistently outperformed him, securing multiple podiums while Hamilton struggled for form. Herbert emphasized that Hamilton is “frustrated with his own performances,” a sentiment echoed throughout the F1 community this season.
Looking ahead, Herbert believes that if Ferrari does not improve its fortunes, Christian Horner, former Red Bull team principal, could be the answer to restoring the team’s competitiveness. Horner boasts an impressive record with eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships. “Would Christian be that person who could attract the right personnel that you need to be able to achieve a championship-winning constructor?” Herbert mused.
Horner was previously linked with the Ferrari principal position before Frederic Vasseur signed a new contract, indicating his potential influence on the team’s direction. Despite a challenging season, Herbert insists that Hamilton has not lost his competitive spirit, confirming that he plans to return for the 2026 season, quelling retirement speculation.
Herbert outlined the formidable challenge Hamilton faces, suggesting that a new wave of young talent, including Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, is making the pursuit of an eighth world title increasingly difficult. “But he’s going to have to work very hard for it because there’s a very, very tough generation…,” he noted. The emergence of drivers like Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar adds further complexity to Hamilton’s path in Formula One, highlighting the relentless pressure on seasoned racers.
As the new season approaches, observers will be closely watching Hamilton’s efforts to reclaim his status among the sport’s elite, reflecting the ever-evolving dynamics of Formula One.
