Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Lewis Hamilton has so far not yielded the desired results. After a promising start to the season – with a victory in the sprint race in Shanghai – the Briton has rarely been able to compete with the Formula 1 elite. Moreover, his first podium in red is still pending. Former driver and ex-FIA steward Johnny Herbert finds it painful to see that Hamilton is unable to make a breakthrough.
In the run-up to the summer break, Hamilton seemed to have hit a low point. During the race weekend in Hungary, he saw teammate Charles Leclerc take pole position, while he himself was stranded in Q2. “It’s my fault, every time,” he sighed to the media at the time. “I’m just useless. Ferrari needs to look for another driver.” After the summer recess, the British veteran seemed to somewhat recover. Podiums and victories were absent, but Hamilton did express more satisfaction with his car and his own performances.
‘Ongoing Problem’
Nevertheless, the seven-time world champion is having a disappointing Ferrari debut. With four Grands Prix to go, the season is nearing its end, and Hamilton has not advanced beyond fourth place. “It just seems to be an ongoing problem,” Johnny Herbert noted to AdventureGamers. “It’s unbearable to watch. Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, is still very consistent and just doing his job.”
During the past race weekend in Mexico City, however, Herbert saw a glimmer of hope. “It was good to see him fighting with Max Verstappen,” he judged. “I thought it was a great display of racing. Some wheels clashed, but that’s how racing should be.” According to Herbert, that duel was indicative of Hamilton’s season – moments of hope, but without result. “It was another frustrating weekend,” Herbert summarized. “He had a good qualification, but it didn’t come out in the race. It just doesn’t click for him. He did say he felt better in the car, so let’s see if he can make progress in the remaining races. All Lewis fans will be hoping for that.”
