Ferrari: Lewis Hamilton’s situation deemed « critical » if problems persist

Lewis Hamilton’s struggles since joining Ferrari are starting to become a bit critical, says journalist Karun Chandhok of Sky Sports F1.

A complicated Spanish Grand Prix

The seven-time world champion appeared very dejected after a disappointing Spanish Grand Prix, describing it himself as the worst race he has experienced at the wheel of a Ferrari.

Started fifth on the grid — his best start of the season — Lewis Hamilton briefly held fourth place before lacking pace and having to yield his position to his teammate Charles Leclerc on team orders.

After the late release of the safety car, Lewis Hamilton was overtaken by Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber) and crossed the finish line in seventh place, before being reclassified to sixth thanks to a penalty given to Max Verstappen after the race.

A slump for the Briton?

Visibly very downcast, Lewis Hamilton responded extremely briefly to the media’s questions.

Karun Chandhok said he was concerned about the situation of the 40-year-old Briton. “It’s starting to get a little critical,” he stated on The F1 Show.

« We are entering the second third of the season and he still hasn’t found the right rhythm. He lacks the consistency where, every weekend, he feels good in the car. In Imola, he completely missed the qualifying, then suddenly the car was brilliant in the race. In Monaco, he wasn’t really there either, always behind Charles. »

« There is reason to start worrying. When you see what happened in Spain, with Charles overtaking him and pulling away easily, even before talking about strategies or tires, it’s revealing. If I were on Lewis’s side of the garage, I would be concerned. We’re approaching mid-season, it’s important to understand if there’s a fundamental problem, if the approach needs to change in the settings. »

« I’m not questioning his abilities. He still has them. He can win — we saw it in China. But they need to provide him with a car that suits him every weekend, and for now, they haven’t found it. He’s still alternating too much between good and bad days. The inconsistencies are too significant. »

Read also: Lewis Hamilton: “It was a difficult day, there’s nothing more to add, it was terrible”

Can Lewis Hamilton bounce back in Canada?

Lewis Hamilton is now heading to one of his favorite tracks for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend (June 13-15).

Most successful driver in F1 history, he has secured six pole positions and seven victories in Montreal. Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft believes that this race will be crucial for the continuation of his season.

« I think this next race is quite critical for Lewis, as Canada is a place where he excels. He loves this track. It’s where he got his first pole and first win », explained David Croft.

« It’s Lewis Hamilton’s circuit. If he has another bad day like in Barcelona, then yes, there will be a real problem. But if there’s anyone capable of bouncing back, it’s the seven-time world champion. »