Former Mercedes ally makes 'zero doubt' claim over Lewis Hamilton Ferrari struggles

Williams team principal and former Lewis Hamilton colleague James Vowles has “zero doubt” over the seven-time F1 champion's potential at Ferrari.

Vowles and Hamilton worked together for several years at Mercedes during Hamilton's title-filled run from 2014 to 2020.

The Briton then departed Mercedes in favour of the leading role at Williams in 2023, before Hamilton opted to switch to Ferrari this year.

However, the 40-year-old has struggled for performance in the opening half of the campaign and is still awaiting his first trip to the podium.

Hamilton, though, has been backed by Vowles to take a step forward in performance as he further embeds himself into the team alongside team-mate Charles Leclerc.

“Lewis has some elements he needs from a car to feel strength from it, and then it’s a confidence build from him he is able to generate from then onwards,” Vowles told the media, including RacingNews365.

“And I can see it in what’s going on. He hasn’t quite got that yet. But I have zero doubt that he will be on the pace and there.

“You can see at times where he is confident, he and Charles are like this [close].

“Miami is a good example. He was pushing Charles ahead of him. He’s just not consistently there, weekend on weekend.”

Vowles then drew a comparison to Carlos Sainz's start at Williams, highlighting that it takes time to adapt to a new environment. 

“When you’re in this, and you can see it with Carlos, you can see with anyone that’s adapting to these cars and changing, there’s so much to keep on top of and learn as a result of it," he added.

“It’s all possible. It’s all adaptation.”