Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Struggles: Body Language Raises Red Flags as Pressure Mounts

Lewis Hamilton 'made things worse' at Ferrari as Fred Vasseur digs out  actions | F1 | Sport | Express.co.ukFerrari fears grow after Lewis Hamilton’s concerning post-break behavior — body language experts warn of brewing crisis!

For Lewis Hamilton, the 2025 Formula 1 season has been nothing short of a storm. What was meant to be a historic new chapter — the seven-time world champion’s debut year with Ferrari — is instead beginning to resemble one of the toughest campaigns of his illustrious career.

The partnership that had been hyped as a dream alliance — the world’s most successful driver with the sport’s most iconic team — is now being shadowed by concern, frustration, and the unmistakable signs of strain. And according to observers, Hamilton’s body language tells a story that words can’t hide.

A Nightmare Debut Season

After leaving Mercedes at the end of 2024, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari was hailed as one of the boldest moves in modern Formula 1 history. Fans envisioned a resurgence of the Scuderia’s glory days — a return to dominance reminiscent of Michael Schumacher’s early 2000s era or Sebastian Vettel’s early Ferrari wins.

Instead, Hamilton has found himself fighting not for podiums, but for points. Across the first 20 races of the season, he has yet to stand on the podium once — an unthinkable statistic for a driver of his calibre.

If that trend continues through the final four rounds, Hamilton could complete his first-ever F1 season without a single podium finish — something that hasn’t happened since his debut in 2007.

What’s worse, despite a record-breaking 24-race calendar, Hamilton is on track to score fewer points than any other season in his 18-year career.

Concerns Emerge After the Summer Break

It was at Zandvoort, following the summer break, that the first visible signs of Hamilton’s growing frustration appeared. Journalist Jorge Peiró, who has covered Ferrari extensively this season, described the Briton’s demeanor in the paddock as “noticeably distant” and “deflated.”

“His body language was off the moment he stepped out of the car,” Peiró wrote. “He didn’t make eye contact with engineers, and his tone over the radio was flatter than we’ve ever heard it. He looked like a driver trying to hide disappointment that’s become too familiar.”

At the Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton finished a disappointing ninth, while teammate Charles Leclerc managed fifth — another blow to a driver accustomed to outpacing nearly everyone on the grid.

Ferrari insiders say Hamilton has been working tirelessly to adapt to the team’s notoriously temperamental car setup, but ongoing aerodynamic inconsistencies and tire management issues have made it nearly impossible for him to find a rhythm.

Ferrari’s Frustration Grows

Behind the scenes, there is growing anxiety at Maranello. Ferrari’s fan base — the Tifosi — are known for their passion and their patience, but both are wearing thin.

When Hamilton’s deal was announced, optimism was sky-high. Social media flooded with images comparing him to Schumacher, the last driver to bring Ferrari sustained success. But unlike Schumacher, who won races in his first season and laid the foundation for an era of dominance, Hamilton’s debut campaign has so far produced only flashes of competitiveness.

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A senior Ferrari engineer, speaking anonymously to La Gazzetta dello Sport, admitted the pressure is intense.

“Lewis came here to win, not to develop. We’re working hard, but it’s been harder than anyone expected. The car is too unpredictable — some weekends we’re competitive, others we’re lost.”

A Champion’s Restlessness

For Hamilton, who turns 40 in January, the situation is testing both his patience and his legacy. After 103 career victories and seven world titles, he is unwilling to spend the twilight of his career fighting for sixth place.

“He doesn’t want to end as just another midfield driver,” says former F1 analyst Martin Brundle. “Lewis is built for excellence. When the machinery can’t match his ambition, frustration becomes inevitable.”

Sources close to the driver insist that he remains committed to the Ferrari project and has faith that 2026, when new regulations arrive, will provide the reset he needs. The team expects to make “major structural and aerodynamic overhauls” ahead of that season.

Body Language Speaks Volumes

Still, Hamilton’s visible demeanor — the weary posture in press conferences, the muted celebrations after finishing races, the long pauses before radio acknowledgments — has been interpreted by many as a warning sign.

His usual upbeat energy and engaging humor have been replaced by a more reserved, introspective tone. During the Zandvoort weekend, he was seen leaving debriefs early and spending extended time away from the media pen — behavior uncharacteristic of one of Formula 1’s most media-savvy stars.

Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa noted:

“Lewis looks tired, not just physically but mentally. You can see the weight he’s carrying — it’s like he’s trying to lift the whole team on his shoulders.”

Looking Toward Redemption

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Despite the setbacks, no one in Formula 1 is writing Hamilton off. The seven-time champion has built his career on resilience. Whether fighting back from setbacks in 2016 or overcoming slumps in early 2022, Hamilton has repeatedly proven that his spirit for competition remains unbreakable.

With four races remaining, including the finale in Abu Dhabi, he still has opportunities to finish on a high — and perhaps remind both Ferrari and the world that even in adversity, his competitive fire burns bright.

Because if there’s one thing history has taught the sport, it’s this: doubt Lewis Hamilton at your own peril.