An F1 title success in his debut season with Ferrari already looks virtually impossible for Lewis Hamilton with the Brit struggling to adapt and McLaren running away with it
Lewis Hamilton can still find his groove at Ferrari and deliver success for their adoring but demanding fans. That’s the view of former Scuderia driver Giancarlo Fisichella as Hamilton gears up for his first race in Italy while wearing red tomorrow.
The Brit’s best Grand Prix finish up to now is fifth in Bahrain and ahead of this weekend’s Imola action he admitted: “I don’t know what to expect.” But Fisichella, 52, pointed to Hamilton’s win in China and Miami podium, both in Sprint races, as evidence that Hamilton can still deliver when things come together.
“I hope with some updates this weekend they can have a good pace, and they can fight for the podium. Why not for the victory?” the former Ferrari and Renault driver said, via Betway.
Regarding Hamilton’s struggles, he added: “First of all, it is not easy moving to a new team after so many years at Mercedes. Learning the behaviour of the car, getting confident with the car, and also the different way of how to work with the team, you need time.
“But he already has a pole position at a Sprint race, he won a Sprint race and got another podium. So I think there’s a bit of up and down, but Lewis is one of the best drivers in the world and I think soon he will be very, very consistent and he can fight for the victory.”
READ MORE: Ferrari make Charles Leclerc replacement decision at Imola GP after illnessREAD MORE: Lewis Hamilton issues fresh health update as beloved companion suffers serious illness
McLaren are already running away with both championships this year and, stranded in seventh place, Hamilton’s hopes of a title challenge in his first year with Ferrari have already faded.
He will be 41 before he starts the 2026 campaign and time is running out for him to become the sport’s only eight-time champion in history. But Fisichella, who remains involved with Ferrari as an ambassador and former GT driver, still has faith that he can make it happen.
Sky Sports launches discounted Formula 1 package
Formula 1 fans can watch every practice, qualifying and race live with Sky’s new Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in a new deal that saves £192.
As well as Sky Sports access, this includes more than 100 TV channels and free subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+.
He said: “These two names together will be great, to be back to win the championship for Ferrari and eight times for Lewis, who is currently the only driver in the world who can win eight titles. I hope so, and we will see if it is possible or not.”
And the three-time F1 race winner believes Ferrari have a powerful pairing in Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. He said: “Charles is doing well. Again, it’s not easy when the car is not great and most of the time he is quicker than Lewis.
“Sometimes Charles is so quick, especially in the in the qualifying session. Last year he has been able to win a few races, and I don’t think there’s any reason why he cannot win again this year.
“Both drivers are two great drivers, and they can work together. They can learn each other side by side, together. I think they are one of the most important and one of the strongest duos in Formula 1.”
