Why Hamilton can expect similar problems at Ferrari

Since January 1, Lewis Hamilton has officially been a Ferrari driver, something many thought would never happen. 

At one stage, it had seemed that he would end his Formula 1 career with Mercedes, who he spent 12 seasons with. 

Whilst he raced for the Silver Arrows across 12 seasons, his actual association with the German manufacturer dated back to his karting career. 

To end that association, at 39 years old, is a bold move by the seven-time world champion, in pursuit of an elusive eighth drivers' title. 

It is not just any move, but a move to the most historic and famous team in the pinnacle of motorsport. For Hamilton, racing for Ferrari has always been a dream, now, it is a reality.

He makes the move to Maranello – the first time he has raced for an F1 team based outside of the United Kingdom – at a difficult time in his career. 

Despite two victories at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, Hamilton suffered a disappointing end to his time with Mercedes. 

The veteran delivered inconsistent results, often appeared downbeat to the media and was comfortably beaten by George Russell in their intra-team battle. 

In the three seasons Hamilton spent with Russell, it was the last in which he looked below the 26-year-old. Russell defeated Hamilton 19-5 in qualifying, and 15-9 in the races. 

A competitive team-mate

At Ferrari, life is not going to become any easier for Hamilton in terms of implementing any superiority. 

Partnering Charles Leclerc, a driver often referred to as Ferrari's 'golden child', is a big task. Carlos Sainz dealt with Leclerc superbly; however, Hamilton is at a very different stage of his career. 

At his best, Hamilton should have the better of Leclerc, if he is capable of building on his 104 pole positions and 105 victories. 

Leclerc has already been touted as a title contender this year, having finished third last season behind Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. 

Had Ferrari not endured a mid-season setback after a poor upgrade in Barcelona, then the Monegasque could have been a bigger threat to Verstappen. 

With the Italian outfit now on top of its problems and developing an entirely new car for 2025, it is expected to fight for both titles. 

Leclerc is well integrated in the team and should be expected to start the season strong, whilst Hamilton will require time to settle and gel with the car. 

A friendly relationship between the duo would not come as a surprise, but could quickly change should Leclerc cement his place as Ferrari's main man. 

Based on Hamilton's reputation, success, value and friendship with team principal Frederic Vasseur, it can be expected that both drivers will be treated as equals.

With that in mind, Hamilton needs to perform equally to Leclerc, if not better. 

Same questions

Should Leclerc out-perform Hamilton, then similar questions will be asked in regard to whether the Briton still has what it takes. 

Hamilton insists that he has, although it was questioned multiple times last year during difficult periods with Mercedes. 

Arguably, the question over whether Hamilton still has enough to perform at the top of F1 will be asked more at Ferrari than it ever was at Mercedes. 

There are a few reasons for that, the first one being the money Ferrari has paid to sign Hamilton. Dropping Sainz was a big decision, in particular when the Spanish driver was delivering consistent results. 

However, the opportunity to sign Hamilton was one Ferrari could not pass on, especially if it ends up being a successful relationship. 

If it is successful, then it could cement Hamilton's place as the greatest of all-time. At the same time, Ferrari will come under fire for the gamble its taken, should Hamilton not deliver the expected results. 

Both Hamilton and Ferrari have a lot to lose, but even more to gain. What will be interesting is whether Hamilton can extract the maximum performance from Ferrari's car this year. 

It is no secret the current regulations do not suit Hamilton's driving style, with many looking more towards 2026 when the new power unit rules are introduced as the icon's best chance at another crown.

Unlike at Mercedes, Hamilton does not have a long relationship with Ferrari, meaning that if his performances are not good enough, then perhaps he could be directed towards the exit door. 

Even if the team do not react should the results be poor, the Tifosi will, an additional pressure yet to be experienced by Hamilton. It is the ultimate hero to zero environment, but that could help Hamilton thrive. 

Hamilton will be eager to prove doubters that he cannot fight for another title wrong; however, similar problems to what he experienced at Mercedes will need to be faced.