Lewis Hamilton had a miserable first year with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has been identified by Formula One supporters as the driver facing the greatest scrutiny heading into the forthcoming campaign.

In a recent poll, the seven-time world champion emerged as the clear winner when fans were asked which competitor from the leading four teams carries the heaviest burden of expectation.

The survey, which forms part of a series examining pressure across the grid, saw respondents decisively select the Ferrari driver above his rivals.

Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar finished as runner-up, though by a considerable margin.

Lewis Hamilton did not manage a single podium finish with Ferrari last season

 | 

REUTERS

Both drivers will now progress to the final round of voting alongside winners from subsequent heats covering midfield and newer entrants.

The British driver’s maiden season at Maranello proved nothing short of calamitous. Across twenty-four grand prix weekends, Hamilton failed to secure a single podium finish – an unprecedented low point in his illustrious career.

His championship standing told an equally dispiriting tale.

The forty-year-old concluded the campaign in sixth position, trailing teammate Charles Leclerc by a substantial eighty-six points despite piloting identical machinery.

The SF-25 fell woefully short of expectations, representing a shadow of its predecessor.

Lewis Hamilton has been told he is the driver under the most pressure going into the new season

 | REUTERS

Yet Hamilton’s struggles extended beyond the car’s limitations, with the 105-time race winner frequently appearing frustrated and dejected during media engagements throughout the troubled campaign.

Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher has pointed to a fundamental flaw that could spell the end of Hamilton’s career at the highest level.

The German believes the Briton’s aversion to simulator work lies at the heart of his difficulties.

“Behind the scenes, you hear that he doesn’t like simulators. And he’s still looking for that old driving feel,” Schumacher told Sport1. “That tells me it’s not just age, but also a mental thing. He’s no longer willing to open up.”

The six-time grand prix winner added that whilst Leclerc thrives with a twitchy car, Hamilton requires stability at the rear.

“Hamilton was never much of a setup tinkerer,” Schumacher continued. “That was already known from his Formula 3 days.”

Lewis Hamilton was called out by Ralf Schumacher | GETTYHamilton’s current Ferrari contract expires at the conclusion of the 2026 season, leaving his future in the sport hanging precariously in the balance.

Speculation has mounted that the British icon will walk away from Formula One should he and the Scuderia fail to prove competitive under the new regulations.

Ferrari are understood to be monitoring Ollie Bearman as a potential replacement for the 2027 campaign. The twenty-year-old rookie delivered impressive performances at Haas throughout 2025.

Crucially, Bearman belongs to a generation raised on racing simulators – precisely the skillset that the sport’s new technical demands are expected to reward most handsomely.