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George Russell Reveals Shocking Reason Behind Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Issues
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Highlights
- George Russell cites Hamilton’s perfectionism affecting Ferrari results.
- Hamilton’s best finish this season is fourth at Imola.
- McLaren leads 2025 standings, Oscar Piastri tops drivers’ table.
- Ferrari’s Leclerc and Hamilton struggle to challenge McLaren’s pace.
- Austrian Grand Prix set for June 29 at Red Bull Ring.
- Season drama continues with on- and off-track tensions among drivers.
George Russell has offered his own theory for why Lewis Hamilton has yet to find winning form at Ferrari this season. Russell, who shared three seasons as Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes, stepped into the team leader role after Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari for the new campaign.
Since his high-profile move, Hamilton’s results with the Scuderia have been under close scrutiny. Aside from taking pole and victory in the Sprint at the Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton has not claimed a Grand Prix podium for Ferrari.
His best finish so far has been fourth place at Imola, and he crossed the line sixth in Spain. The seven-time champion admitted after the Spanish race that he was feeling especially disappointed with his performance.
Russell suggested Hamilton’s difficulties could be down to him aiming for perfection every time he gets behind the wheel. According to Russell, drivers of Hamilton’s stature see anything short of victory as falling short, which may lead to pushing himself and the team beyond what’s realistically possible.
Russell said, “When you are a seven-time world champion, anything less than victory is a failure. You’re probably pushing yourself and your team over the top to achieve beyond the potential.”
He noted he witnessed Hamilton’s top form last year, mentioning standout drives at Silverstone in 2023 and again at this year’s race in China.
It has not just been Hamilton struggling to reach the top step this year. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who has not been in championship contention since 2022, is also searching for a breakthrough win in the current season.
Russell added that, “For all of us, unless you are in the orange car at the moment, the chance of victory is slim,” referencing McLaren’s surge to the front of the grid. Both Leclerc and Russell have voiced frustration at not being able to challenge more often for race victories as McLaren continues to set the pace.
Looking at the 2025 Formula 1 standings, Oscar Piastri leads the Drivers’ table for McLaren with 198 points, ahead of his teammate Lando Norris who has 176. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen holds third with 155 points, while Russell is fourth on 136.
Ferrari’s duo follow, with Leclerc on 104 and Hamilton currently on 79. The Team standings are also led by McLaren, who have collected 374 points so far. Mercedes holds second place with 199, Ferrari is third with 183, and Red Bull sits fourth at 162.
Incidents off track have kept the spotlight on the main contenders, too. The Canadian Grand Prix saw Red Bull’s challenge to Russell’s win dismissed, while McLaren has had to handle tense moments between Norris and Oscar Piastri, highlighted by a clash in an earlier round.
These moments have added drama to a season already full of surprises.
The racing calendar continues to promise action, with the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring on June 29 up next. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone falls on July 6, with Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps to follow on July 27.
Races in Hungary and The Netherlands are also on the schedule in early August, keeping the battle alive through the summer.
With competition intensifying and drivers chasing every point, Russell’s comments suggest Hamilton’s drive for excellence could be holding him back at Ferrari while the rest of the grid continues to push for their own breakthroughs. More on the Hamilton Ferrari difference highlights challenges he’s facing adapting to his new team.
As the season moves ahead, attention remains on whether Hamilton can adapt his approach and find the podium for Ferrari.
John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.
* The featured image is not a real photograph — it was created using AI.
