Despite a difficult debut season with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton has quietly made a significant improvement that many may have overlooked. While 2025 has been statistically one of the most challenging years of his career, the seven-time world champion has shown notable progress in adapting to his new team and car. Though the results haven’t yet translated into podiums, there are signs that Hamilton is finding a rhythm that could set the stage for stronger performances in the future.
Hamilton’s first year with Ferrari has been marked by frustration and adjustment. Still without a podium finish and now holding the record for the longest wait for a maiden podium with the Scuderia, the season has tested his patience and resilience. Regardless of what happens in the final four races, 2025 will officially be the first year in his 19-season career that he fails to achieve at least five podiums — a testament to just how challenging the transition has been.
The move from Mercedes to Ferrari required Hamilton to adapt to a completely different team culture, engineering philosophy, and car behavior after nearly two decades of familiarity. Such a shift is rarely seamless, especially for a veteran used to a particular driving style and setup environment. The learning curve has been steep, but Hamilton’s determination to mold his performance around Ferrari’s unique characteristics is beginning to yield subtle but important progress.
Observers within the paddock have noted improvements in Hamilton’s qualifying pace and race consistency over recent rounds. His performances in Mexico and the United States showed flashes of the old Hamilton — aggressive yet precise, with stronger tire management and control under pressure. While penalties and strategy calls have cost him better results, his adaptation to Ferrari’s handling and feedback system has been evident.
As the season winds down, the focus for Hamilton is less about salvaging short-term glory and more about laying the foundation for a competitive 2026. The progress may have gone unnoticed amid Ferrari’s struggles, but insiders believe Hamilton’s growing comfort with the team could make him a serious contender once the pieces fully click. His improvement might not yet show on the scoreboard, but it signals that his comeback story is quietly taking shape.
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