Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari in the 2025 Formula 1 season has stirred considerable debate, especially following remarks by Jenson Button that Hamilton may be emotionally impacted by being consistently outperformed by teammate Charles Leclerc. Button, a former teammate of Hamilton, suggested the seven-time world champion is no longer the dominant figure he once was. Observing his subdued demeanor, Button noted a transformation in Hamilton’s personality—from a resilient, rapid responder to setbacks, to a more introspective and composed individual, possibly masking deeper frustration over his current form.
Hamilton’s struggles stem from a lack of synergy with Ferrari’s SF-25, a machine built without his driving preferences in mind. While Leclerc has generally eclipsed him in performance, Hamilton’s sole highlight thus far was a Sprint victory in China. The challenges are further compounded by unfamiliarity with Ferrari’s engine, as Hamilton had exclusively driven Mercedes-powered cars throughout his career. The lack of pre-season testing time with the new team has left Hamilton grappling with car balance and cornering traction—flaws visible during race weekends.
Button’s commentary sparked intense reactions across the F1 community. Critics seized on his remarks, with some fans declaring Hamilton “finished” and urging him to accept the twilight of his career. Others brought up past comparisons, noting instances where Hamilton was slower than former teammates. However, a segment of supporters defended the veteran, pointing out that many greats have endured rough transitions and that Ferrari itself has broader performance issues. They argued that judgment should be withheld while Hamilton acclimates and the team develops future upgrades.
Hamilton himself has acknowledged the grim reality of his season, stating that “there’s no fix” for the current predicament and predicting ongoing difficulties. Though Ferrari intends to introduce incremental upgrades, expectations remain tempered. Realistically, his chances of clinching a race victory or contending for the title appear slim this year. Nevertheless, Hamilton’s legacy as a fierce competitor is unlikely to be tarnished by a single difficult season, especially if he can demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, the Hamilton-Ferrari experiment highlights the unpredictable nature of F1 transitions, especially for drivers so deeply embedded in one team philosophy. While Button’s candid critique has ruffled feathers, it may also underscore the immense pressure that accompanies greatness. Whether Hamilton rebounds or fades quietly into retirement, his journey at Ferrari will remain a fascinating chapter in the annals of motorsport history.