Nick Heidfeld says Lewis Hamilton struggles to adapt to Ferrari's new environment

Lewis Hamilton's transition to Ferrari has been challenging, with former F1 racer Nick Heidfeld highlighting noticeable differences in the driver's performance compared to his peak years.

Heidfeld remarked, "You can see the differences in the Lewis Hamilton of now versus five or ten years ago." This observation underscores the difficulties Hamilton faces adapting to a new team environment after a long and successful stint at Mercedes.

Statistically, Hamilton has struggled against his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, having finished ahead in only one Grand Prix and trailing 7-1 in qualifying sessions.

"After many years in the same environment, changing teams is difficult. Lewis was perfectly integrated at Mercedes – now he has to get used to a new car," Heidfeld added.

These challenges reflect the broader reality of Formula 1 drivers adjusting to new teams and machinery, especially when moving from a familiar, winning setup to a different competitive landscape. Hamilton's current performance gap with Leclerc highlights the adaptation period required to regain his previous dominance.

As Hamilton continues to acclimate, the Ferrari environment and car dynamics will be critical factors in his ability to return to top form.

Former F1 driver Nick Heidfeld says Lewis Hamilton is struggling to adapt to Ferrari's new environment, noting clear differences from his peak years. Hamilton has underperformed compared to teammate Charles Leclerc, with only one race win and a 7-1 qualifying deficit, highlighting challenges in adjusting after a long Mercedes tenure.