Lewis Hamilton is a completely different character to the driver he once was – his Ferrari woes are weighing heavy on his mind.
That’s the view of 2009 Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button, who was a teammate of his British compatriot for three years at McLaren between 2010-2012.
Hamilton made a high-profile switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season following his glittering 12-year stay at Mercedes.
But his move hasn’t gone to plan so far, with the seven-time F1 champion failing to scoop a podium finish in any of his opening six races.
In extra disappointment for the Stevenage driver, he has been outclassed by his teammate Charles Leclerc.
Besides the second Grand Prix of the season in China where they were both disqualified due to technical infringements, Leclerc has finished ahead in the other five races.
Competing against a teammate is something Hamilton hasn’t often had to deal with during his illustrious career so far.
Hamilton’s only success this year has been winning the Sprint race in China.
With the Brit trailing Leclerc by 12 points heading into next week’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Button opened up on just how much his old stablemate has changed over the years.
He told Sky Sports: “Lewis is a different character now than he was when we were teammates.
“If he was deflated, the next day he was out and on it and super fast.
“Now, he’s much more of a calm personality, he’s much more of a rounded character.”
Regarding his struggles to keep up with Leclerc, Button remarked: “I think it is starting to hurt him a little bit, constantly being slower than his teammate.
“That’s not how Lewis Hamilton is built. He’s a winner.”
Hamilton’s frustrations were evident in the recent Miami Grand Prix as he fumed over the team radio due to mid-race decisions.
After enduring a lengthy wait for his team to come up with a decision, he said sarcastically: “Have a tea break while you’re at it.”
He has since defended his outburst, as he told DAZN F1: “In the end, we lost a lot of time overtaking each other.
“At that moment, the car felt alive and the tyre was good and I was clearly quicker.
“I think a decision should have been taken sooner. I wasn’t getting there.
“And in those moments, it’s frustrating because what’s our goal: ‘Race each other, or try to pass the others?’
“Then switching position twice made us lose even more time.
“Still, I don’t know if we would’ve passed the [Mercedes] because he didn’t have anyone ahead.”
Hamilton added: “I’m not going to apologise for being a fighter. I’m not going to apologise for still wanting it. And I know everyone in the team does too.”
