Former Formula One competitor Esteban Gutierrez has criticized Ferrari as “chaotic,” but he believes that Lewis Hamilton’s inaugural season with the team has not been as disastrous as perceived. Since joining Ferrari earlier this year, Hamilton’s aspirations of racing in the iconic Ferrari red have faced challenges. The 40-year-old driver has shown signs of frustration during his time at Ferrari, openly expressing self-criticism and experiencing setbacks, including failing to secure a podium finish in any Grand Prix race so far, making him the longest-serving Ferrari driver without achieving this milestone.
During the recent Mexican Grand Prix, Hamilton encountered further hurdles despite initially qualifying in third position. A tussle with Max Verstappen resulted in a penalty and an eighth-place finish for the British driver. Hamilton currently sits in sixth place in the drivers’ championship, trailing his teammate Charles Leclerc by 64 points. Nonetheless, Gutierrez, who has competed against Hamilton in the past and has insights into Ferrari from his prior involvement with the team, believes that Hamilton’s performance should be evaluated in the broader context of Ferrari’s unique challenges.
Gutierrez noted that winning with Ferrari presents a significant challenge compared to other teams due to the passionate yet somewhat chaotic environment within the Italian team. He emphasized that while Hamilton may not be achieving the desired results this season, the experience gained could pave the way for improvement in the upcoming season.
Looking ahead to regulatory changes in the near future, Gutierrez expressed optimism that Hamilton could benefit from the reset that will occur in 2026. Despite their history of on-track disagreements, Gutierrez acknowledged Hamilton’s position as a role model in the sport and highlighted the importance of setting a positive example for fans and competitors alike.
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