Sainz on Hamilton struggles at Ferrari: I’m not surprised at all

Hamilton has admitted often that he is not yet comfortable in the 2025 Ferrari and sees no quick fix, while Charles Leclerc also continues to grapple with an underwhelming package from the Scuderia in 2025.

Although Hamilton delivered a standout performance to win the Sprint Race in China, his overall campaign has been lacklustre. After more than a decade at Mercedes, the Briton is finding the Ferrari transition challenging, much like Sainz’s own move from Maranello to Williams.

Sainz endured a tough start to life alongside Alex Albon at Williams but turned a corner in Saudi Arabia, where he outperformed his new teammate for the first time.

Asked about Hamilton’s early struggles, Sainz told media in Miami: "I’m not surprised at all, I think. For me, I expected it for myself and I expected it with him, because in this sport, there are no secrets. When you are up against two teammates like we are, like Alex and Charles, they know the team inside out.

"They are already performing at the maximum that that car can perform. So you can only do just a little bit better or the same as them. You cannot suddenly arrive and be two to three-tenths quicker, because it’s not possible. They are already at the limit of the car."

Sainz continued with his insights: "So, when you jump to a new team and you’re expected, by yourself and by everyone around you, to be at that level, you know it’s gonna take time. But, for some drivers, it might take longer or shorter. Lewis had an amazing weekend in China, then he seemed to be having a bit more trouble now, but it’s gonna take time for both," explained Sainz.

Five rounds into this season, Hamilton trails Leclerc 4-1 in qualifying and has been beaten by the Monegasque in all five Grands Prix so far. At Williams, Sainz is 3-2 down to Albon in qualifying and trails 4-1 in race results.

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur defended his team’s performance after being asked why their form dipped so dramatically at the start of this season.

Speaking in Miami ahead of Round 6, Vasseur responded sharply: "Dramatically!? We have done five races so far. I know that you won’t have the big headlines tomorrow that Fred said this... but this is f@cking bullsh!t.

"You have ups and downs. When we have an up, we are not world champions. When we are down, we are not nowhere," added Vasseur, whose Ferrari team currently sit P4 in the 2025 F1 Constructors’ Championship on 78 points - 100 behind leaders McLaren, who top the standings on 178 heading into this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.