Guenther Steiner has offered a harsh assessment of Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 campaign, making it clear he was unimpressed with the seven-time world champion’s first year at Ferrari. The former Haas team principal suggested expectations were high and that Hamilton failed to fully meet them.
Steiner pointed out that Hamilton arrived at Ferrari with vast experience, proven success, and the full backing of one of Formula 1’s most iconic teams. In his view, those factors removed any justification for underperformance, regardless of the challenges that come with adapting to a new environment.
According to Steiner, Hamilton’s stature in the sport means he should be capable of delivering results almost immediately. He stressed that elite drivers are judged by different standards and that patience is rarely afforded when everything needed to succeed is already in place.
While acknowledging that Ferrari endured its own difficulties during the season, Steiner maintained that Hamilton’s level of talent demands a stronger individual impact. He implied that truly great drivers are expected to rise above operational or technical issues.
Steiner concluded that 2025 should serve as a wake-up call rather than a transitional year for Hamilton. With excuses now exhausted, he believes the pressure will only intensify for the Ferrari driver heading into the next season.
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