Hamilton Adjusting to Ferrari Amidst Early Challenges
Miami, FL – Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has proven a complex undertaking, during which he has struggled to find his footing compared to teammate Charles Leclerc. After a season shift from Mercedes, Hamilton’s early outings included a notable pole-to-flag sprint victory in Shanghai, but this was contrasted by difficulties in subsequent races, notably the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix where he expressed frustration about his performance and comfort within the car.
“It was a tough weekend,” Hamilton admitted following the Saudi race, highlighting a lack of comfort that left him “bereft of ideas.” In contrast, Leclerc secured a podium finish, marking Ferrari’s first top-three result of the season.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff remains optimistic about Hamilton’s future with Ferrari, stating, “I have no doubt that the magic is still there.” Wolff referenced Hamilton’s dominant performance in the Shanghai sprint as indicative of his potential. “If he aligns all of his performance contributors… he will be stellar,” Wolff assured.
Acknowledging the challenges of adapting to a new environment after 12 years with Mercedes, Wolff added, “It’s a trajectory that any new driver needs to go through in a top team.” Carlos Sainz, Leclerc’s current teammate, echoed Wolff’s sentiments, noting the inherent difficulties of transition within a competitive landscape.
As Hamilton continues to acclimate, both he and his former team eye improvements for the remainder of the season, emphasizing the need for patience during this pivotal adjustment period.
