Coulthard Analyzes Hamilton's Ferrari Struggles in F1 2025

Mumbai, August 29 (PTI) Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has expressed observations regarding Lewis Hamilton's performance following his transition to Ferrari. According to Coulthard, data indicates Hamilton hasn't matched the pace of his teammate, Charles Leclerc, in qualifying sessions since joining Ferrari at the start of the 2025 season.

Hamilton has been outqualified by Leclerc in 10 out of 14 sessions, which highlights a performance gap. However, Coulthard is optimistic that the F1 midseason break, concluding with the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend, may have provided the seven-time world champion a chance for introspection.

"The key question is whether the break has allowed him to step back and deeply understand the nuances of Ferrari and the car," Coulthard mentioned during an event organized by FanCode. He emphasized the cultural shift Hamilton faces, moving from the familiarity of Mercedes to a new environment with Ferrari.

Coulthard highlighted that adaptability distinguishes legendary drivers from others. "What keeps great drivers at the top is their capacity to adapt and advance. Legends like Senna and Schumacher consistently outperformed their teammates throughout their careers," he stated. Coulthard noted that Hamilton’s current season at Ferrari mirrors the challenges he faced alongside George Russell last season.

Coulthard cautioned that ongoing struggles could increase pressure on Hamilton. "Data offers factual insights: Lewis isn't currently matching Charles in qualifying. If you're not the fastest in the team, achieving results becomes challenging," he explained. If Hamilton struggles persist throughout the year, Coulthard suggests his prospects may hinge on the upcoming 2026 regulations.

Turning his attention to the championship battle, Coulthard believes McLaren may lean towards supporting Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri, despite Piastri leading the championship. "Lando, now in his seventh year, might be McLaren's preferred choice internally given his tenure," Coulthard speculated. He acknowledged Piastri's strong performance and praised Mark Webber, Piastri's manager, for enhancing his Formula One expertise.

Commenting on Cadillac's upcoming F1 debut next year, Coulthard supported their decision to sign Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. "Starting a team from the ground up is monumental. I anticipated a mix of experience and youth. Bottas brings an extensive understanding of Mercedes, which will benefit their 2026 strategy. Meanwhile, Checo is a seasoned Grand Prix winner with a robust North American fanbase, making him a valuable asset," Coulthard concluded.

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