Lewis Hamilton has been dealt a painful warning that "nothing lasts forever," according to former F1 driver Anthony Davidson, following his challenging start to the 2025 season.
Hamilton's move to Ferrari has proven troublesome across the 14 completed rounds, with the seven-time world champion yet to achieve a grand prix podium.
Adjusting to life at the Maranello-based outfit and adapting to the team's operations has proven extremely difficult for Hamilton, while the SF-25 has presented him with significant issues.
The rear of Ferrari’s car has been particularly difficult to handle for Hamilton, who described himself as "useless" in Hungary after being eliminated in Q2 – Charles Leclerc claimed pole.
Aside from a sprint victory in China, there has been little for Hamilton and Ferrari to celebrate together.
Davidson has expressed disbelief at how poorly things have gone for the veteran and believes Ferrari will be especially concerned by how self-critical he was at the Hungarian GP.
Discussing with FORMULE 1 Magazine his disappointments of the season, Davidson said: "It pains me to have to mention Lewis Hamilton's name here. Unbelievable actually that I would ever have to say this in an analysis.
"But we heard in Budapest what all he said about himself. It's sad when you hear a sportsman with such a tremendous track record doubting himself so much.
"It's also a big concern for the team. What is happening now is what a lot of people thought was going to happen.
"You can maybe compare it a little bit to Valentino Rossi's move to Ducati. But you can take an important lesson from it: nothing can be taken for granted.
"No one is a superman, everyone is vulnerable and fragile. Nothing lasts forever. It may be that it is so difficult for a driver to adapt to a new car."
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Hamilton's struggles in the current regulations
Hamilton has at least had a few weeks away from the pinnacle of motorsport during the summer break to mentally prepare for the final 10 rounds of his maiden Ferrari campaign.
This weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix presents an opportunity for Hamilton to kickstart his season, especially with Monza following directly after F1’s visit to Zandvoort.
Hamilton’s difficulties this year are not solely due to his move to Ferrari, but also to the current regulations in general.
Since the ground-effect era began in F1 in 2022, Hamilton has struggled, with Davidson wondering whether his strengths will return when the new power unit regulations are introduced next year.
"For me, since the new regulations introduced in 2022, Lewis has never been the same, although I sometimes see the old Lewis back in the races," added Davidson.
"He never had that natural feeling and total control in the car anymore.
"But if he stays, keeps his head above water and gets himself up, he may be back in the race next year with the new cars. I hope he comes out."
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Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes and Nick Golding, as they look ahead to F1's return from the summer break at the Dutch Grand Prix. The wet weather risk for both McLaren drivers at Zandvoort is discussed, as is how Lewis Hamilton will approach media day.
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