Lewis Hamilton Refuses to Give Up at Ferrari Despite Challenging Start to F1 2025 Season

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, has made a resolute statement regarding his future with Ferrari, firmly asserting that he is “not going to give up” despite a difficult start to the Formula 1 2025 season. The British racing icon’s words come amidst mounting pressure following his disappointing performances and a series of struggles with the Ferrari team, especially after his high-profile move from Mercedes over the winter.

A Rocky Start at Ferrari

Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari has not been as smooth as many expected. After completing a high-profile switch to the Scuderia, the 40-year-old driver has faced a series of setbacks, leaving his fans and critics alike questioning whether the move was the right one. So far this season, Hamilton has failed to finish higher than fifth place in the first five races, which has only added fuel to the fire regarding his future in the sport.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, held last weekend, saw Hamilton finishing an extraordinary 30.969 seconds behind his teammate Charles Leclerc, despite having had a promising pole position just days before. The dismal gap between Hamilton and his teammate has sparked concerns about the future of the seven-time champion with Ferrari.

While Hamilton did manage to claim a victory in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint last month, his joy was short-lived as he was disqualified from the main race due to excessive skid-block wear. In a recent interview, Hamilton revealed that since his disqualification in China, the team has been forced to run the car “higher than we would like,” further complicating his situation.

Schumacher Raises Retirement Speculation

The pressure has not gone unnoticed, with former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher, brother of the legendary Michael Schumacher, suggesting that Hamilton could be on the verge of retirement. Speaking on a podcast, Schumacher highlighted that Hamilton might find it hard to continue in the sport if his performance does not improve. He mentioned, “He just can’t cope with the car,” adding that if Hamilton’s struggles persist, he may eventually walk away from F1.

Ralf Schumacher’s remarks were blunt: “If it goes on like this, there’s a risk that at some point he’ll say: ‘Look, I don’t want this anymore. I want to live my life now. I’m so rich, I’m not doing this to myself anymore.’” The retired driver’s comments echo growing concerns about Hamilton’s diminishing passion for the sport as his results continue to fall short.

Hamilton’s Response: “I’m Not Going to Give Up”

Despite the criticism and growing retirement speculation, Hamilton remains determined. In a passionate appeal to his fans, he stated, “Please keep your fingers crossed. I’m not going to give up. We’re going to keep getting better. Still we rise, right?” His comments were made at an event in London before the Miami Grand Prix, showing his resolve to fight through the difficult period.

Hamilton’s comments stand in stark contrast to those of his critics, including Ralf Schumacher. The Ferrari driver has emphasized his commitment to improving and his belief in his ability to turn things around, even though his current situation may be painful. Hamilton’s message was clear: his journey with Ferrari is far from over.

Ferrari’s Full Support for Hamilton

Despite the struggles, Ferrari remains firmly behind Hamilton. Team principal Fred Vasseur expressed unwavering support for the seven-time champion, stating that the team is “2,000 percent behind him.” Vasseur, who worked with Hamilton during his title-winning GP2 season, acknowledged that Ferrari’s struggles with the car’s balance have been a significant issue. However, he insisted that Hamilton’s potential is still evident and that the team will work tirelessly to find solutions to improve performance.

Vasseur also downplayed the idea that 2025 should be seen as a “transitional year” for Hamilton, stating that he did not see it as such. However, he did admit that Hamilton’s disappointment was understandable given his results, especially when comparing his performance to Leclerc’s podium finishes. According to Vasseur, Hamilton’s competitive nature means that he would not be satisfied with his current performance, and the team must work together to improve.

The Road Ahead: Miami GP Could Be Pivotal

With the Miami Grand Prix fast approaching, Hamilton’s prospects of turning his season around could hinge on the weekend’s results. The special sprint race format could offer Ferrari a better opportunity to adjust their car’s setup and potentially improve Hamilton’s performance, especially with a lower fuel load for the 19-lap sprint race. The pressure will be on Hamilton to deliver a strong showing and ease the mounting pressure on his shoulders.

Ferrari has also confirmed a special one-off livery for the Miami Grand Prix, which will feature Hamilton, Leclerc, and Vasseur unveiling the new-look SF-25 car. The anticipation surrounding this event could provide the team with a fresh boost and help spark a resurgence for Hamilton.

A Long-Term Commitment

Despite the ongoing struggles, Hamilton is contracted to Ferrari until at least the end of the 2026 season, a deal that was signed as part of his high-profile switch from Mercedes. This multi-year agreement means that, for the time being, Hamilton’s future is secure at Ferrari, and the team’s leadership remains committed to his success. However, with Ferrari’s title aspirations hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen whether Hamilton can recapture his previous form and deliver the results that both he and the team expect.

Conclusion

The 2025 Formula 1 season has not started as Lewis Hamilton had hoped, with a series of disappointing results and ongoing struggles with his Ferrari car. However, his unwavering determination and the support of Ferrari suggest that there is still hope for a turnaround. As Hamilton himself has declared, “Still we rise,” and despite the setbacks, he remains focused on improving his performance and proving his critics wrong.

Whether or not Hamilton can overcome the challenges ahead and restore his championship-winning form remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: he is not going to give up without a fight. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as the season progresses, especially as the Miami Grand Prix could prove to be a pivotal moment in Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari.

As always, the Formula 1 world will be on the edge of its seat, waiting to see what comes next in the remarkable career of Lewis Hamilton.