Hamilton at Ferrari: End of the legend or a new beginning?

Lewis Hamilton’s Anímic Descent at Ferrari: End of an Era?

The festive atmosphere surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has vanished as quickly as it ignited. Following the announcement of his transfer and the presentation of the new car, reality has hit hard: the seven-time world champion seems to have lost the magic that made him a legend. The disappointment at the Hungarian Grand Prix has been the lowest point, with a visibly dejected Hamilton questioning his own worth. The initial euphoria, fueled by the promise of a new challenge in the most emblematic team of Formula 1, has given way to frustration and self-criticism. Hamilton, who was optimistic and motivated at the beginning of the season, now seems like a defeated driver, struggling to find his rhythm and adapt to an environment that, apparently, does not favor him. Mercedes’ move to Ferrari generated great expectations, with the hope that Hamilton would add the final ingredient for Ferrari to return to the top. However, the results have not followed. The performance of the McLaren team, which last year was close to surpassing Ferrari in the constructors’ championship, has overshadowed the Italian team. Hamilton’s victory in the China sprint race and some podiums by Charles Leclerc are the only things Ferrari can show before the summer break, while Mercedes and Red Bull, who are behind in the standings, have already celebrated victories this year.

“They probably need to change drivers,” declared a dejected Hamilton after being eliminated in Q1 in Hungary.

Lewis Hamilton

These statements, added to a disappointing twelfth place in the race, reveal a worrying state of mind. The criticism of Ferrari’s strategy and the lack of understanding with his race engineer, Riccardo Adami, are symptoms of a situation that goes beyond the technical. Hamilton’s emotional transparency, which has always been one of his hallmarks, now reflects a driver who seems to have lost faith. Leclerc’s performance, although superior, has also been marked by frustration. Despite achieving pole position in Hungary, his race was marred by car problems and a strategy that prevented him from fighting for the victory. The repetition of radio criticisms and subsequent apologies to the media are already a habit for the Monegasque driver, highlighting the team’s difficulties.

Lewis Hamilton, with a defeated look after the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished in 12th position.Hamilton’s situation contrasts with the attitude of Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ boss, who has acknowledged the driver’s emotional transparency and his tendency to be hard on himself. However, Hamilton’s performance has not been reflected on the track. Hamilton’s visit to Mercedes before the Hungarian Grand Prix and the comments of Vasseur, Ferrari’s boss, who downplays the situation, fail to hide the reality: the Hamilton who arrived at Ferrari hoping to conquer a new title seems to be mired in a crisis of confidence. Hamilton’s signing for Ferrari could be a misstep. The team change can be a significant factor, as adapting to a new environment and a different car takes time. Despite his successful career, statistics don’t matter when performance doesn’t arrive. Hamilton’s situation in Hungary, where he achieved his first victory with Mercedes in 2013, reflects the inability to make the difference he used to make in his previous team. With the summer break underway, the big question is whether Hamilton can reverse this situation and regain his best form. The doubt does not reside in whether Ferrari can give him a car to win the championship, but in whether Hamilton still believes he can win with it. Of all the problems at Ferrari, that is the most alarming question.