James Vowles Gives ‘Zero Doubt’ Verdict on Lewis Hamilton’s Dismal Ferrari Campaign

James Vowles raises no doubts on Lewis Hamilton's chances to resurrect his lost pace at Ferrari and return back to winning races.

James Vowles Gives ‘Zero Doubt’ Verdict on Lewis Hamilton’s Dismal Ferrari Campaign

James Vowles (via F1), Lewis Hamilton (via Getty)

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Lewis Hamilton‘s debut year at Ferrari has been nothing short of a disappointment. With 12 races in the 2025 season, Hamilton has only achieved a single sprint race win in China, with no podiums or main race wins. The 40-year-old has seemingly given up on his chances to succeed this year as he shifts his focus to the upcoming new regulations in 2026. However, despite the seven-time champion failing to succeed at Maranello, the Briton’s former colleague James Vowles has weighed in on the F1 icon’s chances to succeed this year.

Lewis Hamilton hasn’t hesitated to talk openly about his massive struggles at Ferrari this year. While the 40-year-old still misses his long-time team, Mercedes, he is ready to rebuild himself from the ground up at the Scuderia. Hamilton has already asserted that his focus has shifted from this year to the new regulations of the coming season, as he wants to emerge as a winning force by then. Even though things are not going the way the Briton intended, Williams Team Principal James Vowles raises no doubts about the former resurrecting his lost pace.

James Vowles believes that Lewis Hamilton needs some elements in the car as per his requirements, in order to feel right at home with the challenger. As soon as gets that, Hamilton would make winning races a habit. Vowles pointed out that he could understand the reasons behind the 40-year-old’s sudden performance slump. However, the Williams boss raised zero doubts over the seven-time champion regaining his form soon enough and having the pace to fight for race wins.

Lewis has some elements he needs from a car to feel strength from it, and then it’s a confidence build from him he is able to generate from then onwards, And I can see it in what’s going on. He hasn’t quite got that yet. But I have zero doubt that he will be on the pace and there.

James Vowles said, as reported by Racingnews365.com

Vowles asserted that even though Lewis Hamilton’s individual performance seemed insignificant, he isn’t too far off from his teammate Charles Leclerc. The two drivers are just 13 points apart from one another, with Leclerc taking the lead. However, the 46-year-old insisted that there have been many instances this year where Hamilton’s confidence has helped him come very close to the Monegasque on the grid.

You can see at times where he is confident, he and Charles are like this [close].

James Vowles added

James Vowles declares Lewis Hamilton ‘not consistently there’

Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari with hopes of a championship contention. However, the 40-year-old had a rude awakening at Maranello as he is finding it difficult to score even a podium finish mid-way through the season. Hamilton will need serious improvements if he wants to fight with Charles Leclerc and come out on top as the better driver. Amidst this, James Vowles reveals the disappointing condition of the seven-time champion at the Italian squad.

Lewis Hamilton (via Ferrari)
Lewis Hamilton (via Ferrari)

Vowles recalled that the Miami GP was a great example where Lewis Hamilton pushed Charles Leclerc to a great extent and tried to come ahead of him. While Hamilton burst out on the team radio due to the disappointing end to the race and a controversial strategic call from Ferrari, he still gave it his all. Regardless, the 46-year-old emphasized that the seven-time champion is unable to consistently perform on every race weekend.

Miami is a good example. He was pushing Charles ahead of him. He’s just not consistently there, weekend on weekend.

James Vowles noted

Ferrari’s performance is nothing too great, as Lewis Hamilton seems to do the best with the opportunities available to him. Fighting for the drivers’ title in the 2025 season might not be possible for Hamilton anymore, but he isn’t going down without a fight. The 40-year-old will still give it his all in the second half of the season and improve his position in the pecking order.

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