Lewis Hamilton’s previous competitor criticized Ferrari as “chaotic” but emphasized that Hamilton’s first season with the team has not been as disastrous as it may seem. Since his debut with Ferrari earlier this year, Hamilton’s aspirations of racing in the iconic Ferrari red have faced challenges.
During his challenging initial months with Ferrari, the 40-year-old has displayed signs of frustration. Hamilton, in an unusual move, openly admitted feeling “useless,” had disagreements with his race engineer, and struggled to achieve a podium finish in any Grand Prix, setting a record as the longest-serving Ferrari driver without a podium finish.
In the recent Mexican Grand Prix, Hamilton’s season struggles were highlighted when an incident with Max Verstappen led to a 10-second time penalty and an eighth-place finish, despite securing third place in qualifying.
Currently in sixth place in the drivers’ championship, trailing teammate Charles Leclerc by 64 points, Hamilton’s performance has been defended by former F1 driver Esteban Gutierrez. Gutierrez, who has experience racing against Hamilton and working with Ferrari, believes that Hamilton’s adaptation to the Italian team’s dynamics should be considered.
Gutierrez, reflecting on Hamilton’s performance, noted a potential improvement in the upcoming season. He acknowledged the challenges at Ferrari, describing the team as passionate but operating in a structured yet chaotic manner. Despite the setbacks, Gutierrez believes that Hamilton’s experience this year will pave the way for progress in the future.
Looking ahead to the regulatory changes in the next season, Gutierrez expressed optimism for Hamilton’s prospects, considering the reset of all drivers. Despite past disagreements, Gutierrez now maintains a positive outlook on Hamilton’s future with Ferrari.
In a previous incident in 2016, Gutierrez and Hamilton clashed during the Hungarian Grand Prix, with Gutierrez criticizing Hamilton for his behavior on the track. However, Gutierrez’s current stance highlights a shift towards a more supportive relationship with the seven-time world champion.
As Formula 1 fans anticipate the upcoming races, Gutierrez’s insights provide a fresh perspective on Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari and hint at a potential turnaround in the future for the renowned racer.
