Former F1 driver Esteban Gutierrez has defended Lewis Hamilton’s first season at Ferrari, insisting it was “not as unhealthy because it regarded”.
Hamilton has but to complete on the rostrum in his first season with Ferrari.
This podium drought left Hamilton with Ferrari’s first document for many races with no top-three end.
Hamilton had some unhealthy luck in Mexico Metropolis.
Though he acquired off to a great begin, he was defeated by teammate Charles Leclerc on the opening lap of the race.
This was as a result of Leclerc minimize the primary nook and moved in entrance, however was not penalized by the stewards.
Hamilton was then concerned in a number of incidents with Max Verstappen, who tried an aggressive lunge in flip one.
Hamilton obtained a 10-second penalty for one more incident through which he minimize off the observe at Flip 4 late within the lap however continued to run forward of the Pink Bull driver.
This ruined Hamilton’s race and he completed in a disappointing eighth place.
Teammate Leclerc completed second, marking Ferrari’s seventh podium of the 12 months.
Though Hamilton’s lack of podium finishes continues, his total efficiency has improved for the reason that summer time break.
On common, Hamilton runs about lower than a tenth of Leclerc’s tempo in qualifying.
Hamilton must make progress on race day, particularly in execution.
For Hamilton, “It was a course of”
Hamilton’s focus will inevitably be on the brand new F1 rules for subsequent 12 months and 2026.
Gutierrez, who raced for Sauber and Haas throughout his F1 profession, sees indicators of encouragement for Hamilton.
“From his feedback, it looks like he is by some means gotten used to the automobile this weekend. Perhaps he is not as completely happy now, however definitely I believe it has been a course of,” Gutierrez mentioned on the F1 Nation podcast.
“I used to be at Ferrari, so I perceive the distinction between British groups and Italian groups. I will be frank: there’s plenty of ardour at Ferrari, however there’s additionally well-organized chaos.”
“I do not imply to say something unhealthy about them. I actually love Ferrari. I imply, all of us do. I believe each driver’s dream, deep down, is to be a Ferrari driver. Successful with Ferrari includes a a lot greater problem than profitable with another workforce.”
“That is why champions who’ve by no means been champions with Ferrari wrestle to return to Ferrari to change into champions. It isn’t straightforward.”
“So, from that perspective, I believe Lewis’ efficiency this 12 months wasn’t as unhealthy because it regarded. Hopefully he can use this 12 months as an expertise and take one other step subsequent 12 months.”
