Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari start “uncomfortable to watch” – David Coulthard

2009 Formula 1 champion Jenson Button and 13-time grand prix winner David Coulthard have discussed Lewis Hamilton’s start at Ferrari. While Button claimed that it must be “frustrating” for the seven-time champion, Coulthard said it was “uncomfortable to watch” up until the British Grand Prix.

Hamilton joined Ferrari at the beginning of 2025 after a 12-year stint with Mercedes, which saw him secure six of his seven drivers’ championships. The blockbuster move came with a great deal of hype and anticipation from both fans and those within the F1 paddock. But after 12 races of the season, the Briton is still adjusting to his new team.

The 40-year-old has seen glimpses of success with Ferrari. The second race weekend of the season in China saw him clinch the sprint race victory, but it was compounded by a disqualification from the grand prix. His fourth-place finish at his home race in Silverstone was his best finish with Ferrari to date.

Coulthard explained to F1.com that the British Grand Prix looked like Hamilton “was more on top of things,” but questioned whether this was race-specific.

“Silverstone felt more comfortable,” Coulthard said. “Up until Silverstone, and putting China to one side, it’s felt uncomfortable watching Lewis there. He hasn’t looked as quick as Charles [Leclerc]. I don’t think any of the teams mind a fast Ferrari, because they are sort of the biggest name in the history of the sport. But at Silverstone, it looked like he was more on top of things. Was that just because it was Silverstone or not? That remains to be seen.”

Button, who was Hamilton’s team-mate at McLaren from 2010 to 2012, noted the difficulties that come with changing teams in F1, especially when it’s a move from a British team to an Italian outfit.

“You always expect Lewis to be at the front, you expect him to be on a par with his team-mate, if not better, but we’ve not seen that this year,” Button explained. “It’s always difficult changing team, but especially to a team that’s not a British team. It’s an Italian team, he’s never experienced that before, or since karting, and his team-mate speaks the language, he’s really embedded in the team.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

“So, it’s tricky, but if anyone can be competitive in that car, moving in the way that he has, it’s Lewis. It’s a matter of time, but I’m sure it’s getting a little frustrating in terms of not being able to get the maximum out of the car.”

At the halfway point of his first season with Ferrari, Hamilton sits sixth in the drivers’ standings with 103 points. In comparison, his team-mate Charles Leclerc is fifth with 119 points.