Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has not gone as expected, as he continues to struggle with the ground effect generation of Formula 1 cars.

Since the turn of the regulations in 2022, the seven-time world champion has not adapted to the new machines, winning just two races in his final three years at Mercedes.

Hamilton hoped the switch to Ferrari would be the fresh start he needed. However, his problems have followed him to Maranello as he is yet to score a podium in 2025.

Position
Drivers’ Championship
Points

1

Oscar Piastri

324

2

Lando Norris

293

3

Max Verstappen

230

4

George Russell

194

5

Charles Leclerc

163

6

Lewis Hamilton

117

7

Alexander Albon

70

8

Andrea Kimi Antonelli

66

9

Isack Hadjar

38

10

Nico Hulkenberg

37

In fact, Hamilton has now beaten Louis Rosier’s record for the most races without a podium from a Ferrari driver. Besides winning the Sprint race in China, he has not found the right balance with his car, with the SF-25’s ride height problems being an ‘open secret’ in the paddock.

The 40-year-old was in desperate need of a reset over the summer break, after Hamilton told Ferrari they should replace him in Budapest. While his results are still somewhat lacking, it seems that the Brit is finally making progress with his car.

Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images

Gabriel Bortoleto sees a clear sign that Lewis Hamilton is adapting to his Ferrari with his qualifying at Zandvoort

Hamilton crashed out in Zandvoort in the tricky conditions, before producing a solid recovery drive to finish P6 at Monza after serving a five-place grid penalty. He appears much more confident about his performances, and Gabriel Bortoleto thinks he has seen the turning point.

Speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast, the Sauber driver noted that Hamilton was ‘super close’ to Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc in qualifying at the Dutch GP. The Monegasque driver is considered one of the strongest drivers over one lap, highlighting a clear sign that the Brit is improving.

“Well, it’s definitely a very tough car, I need to be honest,” said Bortoleto, talking about the current generation of cars.
“This F1 generation of cars, they are complicated, they are cars that [are] very sensitive to wind, to track conditions and things. So luckily, I’ve been able to adapt this year quickly to the cars and to how I feel with it and how much I’m pushing on them.“But as you said, some great drivers have been struggling a bit. Even if I think Lewis is not doing a bad job, but everyone expects things so highly from him because he’s a seven-time world champion.

“But if you see in Zandvoort, for example, he was super close to his teammate in qualifying, he was less than half a tenth from it and Charles is a very fast driver. And we know what he’s capable of doing in qualifying.”

Could Gabriel Bortoleto replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari?

While Hamilton is showing signs of progression in the SF-25, his teammate continues to outperform him. Martin Brundle thinks Hamilton has accepted Leclerc’s speed, with the Monegasque driver having scored all five of Ferrari’s podiums thus far.

The 40-year-old will be banking on the 2026 F1 regulations for Ferrari to give him a competitive car. Hamilton is contracted until the end of next season, with the option to extend for 2027.

Category
Lewis Hamilton
Charles Leclerc

2025 points
117
163

Grand Prix results*
2
12

Grand Prix qualifying
4
12

Grand Prix wins
0
0

Grand Prix poles
0
1

Grand Prix podiums
0
5

Best finish
4th
2nd

Disqualifications
1
1

Retirements
1
1

Retirements (classified finish)
0
0

Fastest laps
0
0

Grand Prix points finishes
13
13

Sprint results
2
1

Sprint Qualifying
1
2

Sprint wins
1
0

Sprint poles
1
0

Sprint podiums
2
0

The 2025 F1 teammate head-to-head battle of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc
*Both Ferrari drivers were disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix
That decision is entirely up to Hamilton, but with his frustrations in 2025, many have speculated whether the seven-time champion will retire in 2026. If that happens, it seems his team are already prepared, as Bortoleto is being watched by Ferrari as a potential replacement.

The Brazilian is having a hugely impressive rookie season, with regular Q3 appearances and 18 points on the board. Although he is joining an exciting project at Audi in 2026, manager Fernando Alonso is already preparing Bortoleto’s next step in F1; it could well be Ferrari.