Lewis Hamilton ‘Defeated’ as Danica Patrick Delivers Blunt Ferrari Verdict After Austin Struggles

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton looked visibly deflated after another underwhelming outing in Ferrari red, as former driver Danica Patrick didn’t hold back in her assessment of the team’s morale following Sprint qualifying at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.

Ferrari endured a frustrating session at the Circuit of the Americas, with Hamilton qualifying only eighth and teammate Charles Leclerc down in tenth. Both drivers expressed clear disappointment afterward, admitting the team remains far off the pace of the front-runners.

Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Patrick offered a cutting analysis of the situation, saying the pair “looked defeated” — and that Hamilton, in particular, appeared emotionally drained from the mounting gap between expectations and reality.

“You can see it in their body language,” Patrick said during the post-qualifying broadcast. “Lewis especially looks defeated. He came to Ferrari to win grands prix, to fight for championships, and that just doesn’t look remotely possible right now.”

Ferrari’s Frustration Grows in Austin

Ferrari entered the weekend hoping to challenge Red Bull and McLaren on the high-speed, undulating track, but neither Hamilton nor Leclerc could extract performance from the SF-25’s tires or balance.

Hamilton’s radio messages during the session reflected growing irritation with the car’s handling. After his final lap in the Sprint qualifying segment, he told engineers over the team radio, “The rear’s just gone. I can’t carry speed anywhere.”

Leclerc, meanwhile, described his run as “clean but slow,” lamenting that despite near-perfect execution, the car simply lacked the raw pace to compete.

“It’s total frustration,” Leclerc admitted. “We did a clean lap, but we’re just so far behind. There’s nothing more to find on my side.”

Patrick: ‘This Isn’t What Hamilton Signed Up For’

Danica Patrick, a pioneering former IndyCar and NASCAR driver, noted that Hamilton’s demeanor during interviews hinted at deeper disillusionment.

“He looks like a man with a mountain to climb,” she said. “When you make a move to Ferrari, it’s about emotion and legacy — but if the car can’t deliver, that dream turns into a grind very quickly.”

Patrick added that Ferrari’s internal expectations may have been unrealistic given the performance gap that has persisted since the 2023 season.

“They’ve made small gains here and there, but the reality is they’re still in that same fifth-to-eighth zone. For someone like Lewis, who’s used to fighting for wins every weekend, that’s a tough pill to swallow.”

Hamilton’s Ferrari Gamble Under Pressure

Hamilton’s high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari at the start of the 2025 season was hailed as one of the most dramatic moves in recent Formula 1 history. The partnership was expected to rejuvenate both the driver’s career and the Scuderia’s title hopes.

But with the team still struggling to match the consistency of Red Bull and McLaren, the fairytale has so far failed to materialize. Hamilton has yet to secure a race victory for Ferrari, and podiums have been few and far between.

The British driver admitted the situation has been “emotionally exhausting.”

“We’re working hard, but the car just isn’t there yet,” Hamilton told reporters. “Every session feels like we’re chasing something that’s always just out of reach. I came here to win — and that’s still the goal — but it’s tough.”

Leclerc Shares the Strain

Leclerc, who has carried Ferrari’s hopes since joining in 2019, shared Hamilton’s frustration, acknowledging that the team’s lack of competitiveness has sapped morale.

“We know the talent is here. We know the passion is here,” Leclerc said. “But passion alone doesn’t make you faster. We have to find something new — and maybe the 2026 regulations will help us reset.”

The mention of the 2026 Formula 1 regulatory overhaul — which will introduce sweeping changes to power unit efficiency and aerodynamics — has become a recurring theme within Ferrari’s ranks. Both drivers appear to be banking on that reset to close the gap to Red Bull and Mercedes.

‘Total Frustration’ at Ferrari

Insiders within Ferrari’s camp describe the atmosphere as tense but resolute. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur defended his drivers’ performances, arguing that the field has tightened and that Ferrari remains within striking distance of major upgrades.

“It’s not where we want to be, but we’re fighting,” Vasseur said. “The spirit is strong, and both Lewis and Charles are pushing us forward. The frustration shows they care.”

Yet even Vasseur conceded that expectations were higher coming into Austin. The team’s recent upgrade package, introduced in Japan, failed to deliver the step forward they had hoped for.

Danica Patrick’s Final Word

Patrick closed her remarks on Sky F1 with empathy — and a dose of hard truth.

“I get it,” she said. “I’ve been in that car, knowing you’re giving everything but the machinery just isn’t. That’s what defeat looks like — not giving up, but knowing there’s nothing more you can do.”

As Hamilton and Leclerc prepare for the full Grand Prix on Sunday, both men face more than just rivals on the track. They’re wrestling with expectation, identity, and the weight of Ferrari’s unfulfilled promise.