Hamilton Calls Ferrari Season a “Nightmare” After Double DNF at São Paulo Grand Prix

Ferrari’s turbulent 2025 season plunged to a new low on Sunday as both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were forced to retire early from a chaotic São Paulo Grand Prix, leaving the Italian team without a single point from one of the most physically demanding races on the calendar. For Hamilton—one of Formula 1’s most decorated drivers with seven world championships—the result was yet another painful chapter in what he openly labeled “a nightmare” of a season.

The 40-year-old Briton, who joined Ferrari this year in one of the most historic team moves in modern F1, found his race compromised almost immediately. A series of early-lap incidents damaged his car, triggering performance issues that he wrestled with for an exhausting 40 laps. Despite Ferrari’s initial hopes that Hamilton could at least nurse the car home and salvage a few points, the team eventually made the call to retire the car as its condition worsened.

Adding to Ferrari’s misery, teammate Charles Leclerc retired even earlier after a collision on Lap 6, an incident that stewards later ruled he was not responsible for. The Monegasque driver, visibly frustrated but composed, walked away from the wreckage knowing he had little control over the incident that ended his race.

“It’s been a nightmare,” Hamilton admits

After climbing out of his stricken Ferrari, Hamilton spoke candidly about the latest disappointment in a season that has oscillated sharply between high hopes and harsh reality.

“It really has been a nightmare,” Hamilton told reporters. “I’ve had to go through this for quite some time now—the constant swing between living the dream of driving for this incredible team and then the nightmare of the results we’re experiencing.”

His comments reflect the emotional toll of the season, particularly given the enormous expectations that accompanied his arrival at Maranello. Ferrari fans believed Hamilton’s combination of experience, precision, and resilience might help return the team to championship-contending form. Instead, the season has been marred by mechanical issues, strategic missteps, penalties, and inconsistent performance.

Ferrari’s struggles on full display

The São Paulo weekend encapsulated everything that has gone wrong for Ferrari this year. Hamilton’s car sustained damage early, leaving him to fight a losing battle as tire degradation, loss of downforce, and compromised handling slowed him dramatically. At the same time, Leclerc’s race ended through no fault of his own—another blow in a season where both drivers have faced setbacks beyond their control.

Ferrari engineers later confirmed that Hamilton’s car was operating at far below optimal performance for most of the race, and the team ultimately retired it to avoid further damage. “There were simply too many issues layered on top of each other,” one Ferrari source said after the race.

Hamilton stays optimistic despite mounting challenges

What stood out most in Hamilton’s post-race comments was not frustration, but his determination to remain positive.

“There have been so many highs and lows. It’s tough, but I’ll come back tomorrow. I’ll keep training and keep working with the team,” he insisted. His tone was not one of resignation, but of resolve—an attempt to shift the narrative from despair to steady perseverance.

He continued, “I really wanted to score points for the team this weekend, but I’ll come back as strong as I can for the next race and try to recover. We are really fighting through challenges right now, but I believe there is still something ahead in my life and my destiny.”

These remarks reflect Hamilton’s long-held belief that adversity can be a catalyst for growth. Even as the season’s disappointments accumulate, he continues to frame the struggle as part of a larger personal journey.

Ferrari faces growing pressure

The double retirement has intensified pressure on Ferrari’s leadership, already under scrutiny for failing to provide Hamilton and Leclerc with machinery capable of matching their rivals. Fans have grown increasingly vocal, questioning development progress and strategic decision-making. Meanwhile, rival teams have capitalized on Ferrari’s inconsistency, widening the points gap in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

While the team maintains that upgrades are coming and the long-term project is still on track, the patience of the tifosi is wearing thin. The São Paulo Grand Prix—historically one of the sport’s most thrilling venues—offered Ferrari nothing but disappointment.

Looking ahead

Despite the setback, both Ferrari drivers emphasized their commitment to the team. Leclerc vowed to “reset and push again,” while Hamilton focused on the belief that perseverance will eventually yield results.

For Ferrari, the road ahead remains uncertain. But Hamilton’s continued optimism, even amid what he openly calls a nightmare, offers one glimmer of stability in an otherwise stormy season. If the team can match his determination with technical advancement, the nightmare may yet give way to the dream he envisioned when he signed in red.