Lewis Hamilton's much-anticipated move to Ferrari has yet to deliver the results many expected from the seven-time world champion.
Despite a promising sprint win in Shanghai, the British racing legend currently sits seventh in the championship standings after six rounds of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The 40-year-old, who joined the Scuderia after 12 successful years with Mercedes, has failed to secure a grand prix podium thus far in his Ferrari career.
Hamilton's blockbuster winter transfer brought high expectations, but his performances have been decidedly underwhelming as the team struggles to unlock the full potential of the SF-25.
Lewis Hamilton has had a tough start to life at Ferrari
Reuters
Hamilton's up-and-down weekend in Miami epitomised his season thus far. He managed a respectable third place in the sprint race, only to finish eighth in Sunday's grand prix after qualifying in a disappointing 12th position.
"I generally had a good day," Hamilton said after the Miami Grand Prix.
"Eighth doesn't really look like that, but I feel optimistic for the future."
The British driver believes there is more to come from the Ferrari, suggesting the car has untapped potential.
His struggles in Miami came despite feeling the team was making progress, highlighting the inconsistent nature of Ferrari's 2025 campaign.
Hamilton remains convinced that the Ferrari has more to offer than recent results suggest.
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"I think this car really does have performance. But something's holding us back at the moment," he explained.
"We've lost performance since China [round two], and it's there, it's just we can't use it."
The Briton's frustration was evident during the Miami race, where he spent considerable time arguing with his engineers over team radio.
Lewis Hamilton admitted 'something's holding us back' at Ferrari
Reuters
These disagreements centred around his battles with teammate Charles Leclerc as the Ferrari drivers hindered one another while fighting for the same position.
"Until we get a fix for that, then this is where we are," Hamilton added.
Leclerc, who finished seventh in Miami, has also endured a disappointing campaign, currently sitting fifth in the championship.
The Monegasque driver was particularly critical after the Miami race, saying: "Today wasn't the Sunday we wanted, and even though the pace is not there, I don't think there were any miracles."
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Lewis Hamilton finished eighth during the Miami Grand Prix last week
GETTYHe added bluntly: "There wasn't much more in the car."
While Leclerc believes Imola might offer some respite next weekend, he expressed concerns about his home race in Monaco.
"Unfortunately, I'm really not looking forward to Monaco this year as I don't think we've got a car to be great there," admitted the eight-time grand prix winner.
