Hamilton Faces Ferrari Struggles Ahead of Italian Grand Prix as McLaren Dominate Season

Posted : 04 September 2025

Lewis Hamilton arrives at Monza this weekend searching for answers in what has become one of the most difficult seasons of his illustrious career. The seven-time world champion joined Ferrari to great fanfare, raising hopes among the tifosi of ending an 18-year wait for a driver’s world title. Instead, the 40-year-old has endured a disastrous run, sitting 200 points adrift of championship leader Oscar Piastri without a single podium finish to his name.

Last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix highlighted Ferrari’s struggles, with both Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc crashing out after a poor buildup that included Hamilton spinning twice in practice. To compound matters, Hamilton was handed a five-place grid penalty for Monza after failing to slow under yellow flags on the way to the grid in Zandvoort.

Despite the setbacks, Hamilton has remained upbeat about driving for Ferrari, calling it “really special to remember that I’m a Ferrari driver” during a fan event in Milan. Having won five times at Monza—four with Mercedes—he knows what success at the “Temple of Speed” feels like, but the prospect of repeating it in red this year looks slim.

Meanwhile, McLaren have taken control of the season. Piastri tops the standings with 309 points after 15 races, 34 clear of teammate Norris. Between them, they have claimed victory in 12 of 15 Grands Prix, with only mechanical failure in Zandvoort preventing another win for Norris. Not even reigning champion Max Verstappen has been able to stop their dominance, trailing Piastri by 104 points.

Ferrari, still second in the constructors’ standings, will try to lift spirits by celebrating past glories at Monza. The team will run a special red-and-white livery to mark the 50th anniversary of Niki Lauda’s first world championship in 1975. Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi will also take to the track in a 1995 V12-powered 412 T2, offering fans a nostalgic glimpse of the Scuderia’s history.

For team principal Fred Vasseur, the Italian Grand Prix represents both a symbolic and emotional opportunity to reconnect with Ferrari’s passionate supporters. “Being surrounded by the tifosi is an incredible motivation,” Vasseur said. “We’ll give it everything we have to repay them for their constant support.”

Whether Hamilton can provide the spark Ferrari fans crave remains doubtful, but the fervent Monza crowd ensures the weekend will be charged with emotion—even as McLaren chase yet another victory in a season that appears firmly in their hands.

Hamilton Faces Ferrari Struggles Ahead of Italian Grand Prix as McLaren Dominate Season

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