The seven-time world champion’s recent admission could pose a dilemma for the Scuderia as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Lewis Hamilton’s recent comments have revealed a worrying sense of despondency that could spell trouble for Ferrari as they look ahead to 2025. Once known for his optimism and determination, Hamilton’s words have taken a more defeatist tone, particularly following a rough patch with Mercedes that has seen him endure a series of disappointing performances.

In early November, during the Brazilian Grand Prix, Hamilton was notably downcast, struggling to compete at a track he once thrived on. At one point, he even hinted he might not finish the final races of the season, although these remarks were quickly dismissed by his team. But it marked the start of a downturn that has persisted throughout the month.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Mercedes’ car seemed unusually fast in the cold conditions, only added to Hamilton’s frustration. Despite being in contention for pole position, he made a mistake during qualifying and had to settle for second place behind his teammate, George Russell. For a driver of Hamilton’s calibre, a runner-up finish is not enough—he’s known for aiming higher.

The situation worsened in Qatar, where Hamilton’s weekend was marred by a series of unfortunate events, including a false start, a puncture, and a penalty for speeding. By the time he spoke after Friday’s sprint qualifying session, his frustration was clear. “I’m just slow,” he admitted, acknowledging the gap between him and Russell, who has dominated their head-to-head battle this season with a striking 18-5 advantage.

Such a statement was startling for someone with Hamilton’s pedigree, a driver considered by many to be Formula One’s greatest qualifier. However, it reflects the ongoing struggles he’s faced with the Mercedes car over the past few seasons, marked by frustrating inconsistency. His confidence appears shaken, and that could be a concern for Ferrari as they look to strengthen their team ahead of the 2025 season.

Despite these recent setbacks, Hamilton’s abilities have not completely disappeared. Just a week before his disheartened comments, he produced a memorable drive to finish on the podium in Las Vegas. And earlier this year, at Silverstone, he claimed his first victory in nearly three years, showcasing his racecraft and tyre management skills.

However, this season has been one of Hamilton’s worst, with the 39-year-old sitting in seventh place in the championship standings. With Mercedes set to finish fourth in the constructors’ standings, his 2024 campaign is a far cry from the glory years he experienced with the team. His mood heading into the final race of his 12-year tenure with Mercedes is not one of celebration. “I’m not thinking about it,” Hamilton said, referring to his departure, adding that the season’s end wouldn’t define his long journey with the team.

This gloomy atmosphere sets the stage for his much-anticipated move to Ferrari. The Scuderia have invested heavily in Hamilton’s championship experience, hoping his leadership can help them break a 16-year drought in the constructors’ championship. However, with Hamilton’s recent struggles, it now seems that he may need Ferrari more than they need him. Ferrari’s current car has proven to be race-winning, but they remain behind McLaren in the points as they push towards the season’s conclusion.

With Hamilton facing a battle to regain his confidence and pace, Ferrari’s gamble on the seven-time world champion could soon be tested, with the 2025 season on the horizon.