Lewis Hamilton endured a third consecutive Q1 elimination to close out the final qualifying session of the 2025 Formula 1 season, prompting a stark warning from his former rival Nico Rosberg.
Few were as eager for the season finale as Lewis Hamilton, but another disappointing qualifying performance added to the frustration of the seven-time world champion. While the British driver had been relatively consistent in scoring points during the early half of his debut season with Ferrari, the recent races have highlighted deeper issues within the Scuderia team in Maranello.
At the end of the qualifying session on Saturday, Lewis Hamilton faced the real possibility of losing sixth place in the drivers’ standings to Kimi Antonelli, the young rookie who replaced him at Mercedes. The Italian driver was just two points behind the Ferrari man ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and had the chance to overtake him, marking a dramatic twist in what has been a turbulent debut season for the British star at Ferrari. In the end, the Briton showed a solid race pace at the Yas Marina circuit and finished in P8, while the Italian was not able to score any points.
Nico Rosberg warns Lewis Hamilton about Ferrari fans’ patience running out
In his post-qualifying Sky Sports F1 interview at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton struggled to explain his poor performance. Nico Rosberg, the 2016 world champion and one of Lewis Hamilton’s fiercest rivals, analyzed the interview and issued some direct advice for the seven-time champion.
Nico Rosberg suggested that Lewis Hamilton should take some time to reset but then focus on intensive preparation, especially in the Ferrari simulator. The German explained that the new 2026 concept car represents an entirely different Formula 1 package, requiring the Briton to adapt and invest significant effort to regain his competitive edge. The 2016 world champion warned that if Lewis Hamilton’s current form continues, the team—and eventually Ferrari fans across Italy—may lose faith in him. He described the situation as “very, very scary” for the seven-time F1 world champion.
Leading up to the final race weekend, Ralf Schumacher highlighted a key difference between Lewis Hamilton and his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc: Lewis Hamilton rarely uses the simulator, while Leclerc trains on it daily. The Monegasque driver has claimed seven podiums this season, compared to Lewis Hamilton’s zero, and holds a 78-point lead in the championship standings, emphasizing the gap between the two Ferrari drivers.
Rosberg expresses empathy for Hamilton amid 2025 struggles
Before issuing his warning, Rosberg also expressed understanding for the Briton’s difficult season. He noted that witnessing the decline of a seven-time world champion has been tough. Rosberg pointed out that while Charles Leclerc sits fifth in the standings, Lewis Hamilton’s performance has left him starting 16th on the grid, partially due to his own struggles adapting to Ferrari’s operations and car dynamics.
The German explained that Lewis Hamilton may be doubting himself and worrying that poor results could continue into the 2026 season, creating a cycle of frustration. He acknowledged the psychological toll on Lewis Hamilton, noting that it has been “horrible” to see such a talented driver face these challenges.
Earlier in the day, before qualifying, Nico Rosberg advised Lewis Hamilton that his situation will not improve unless he takes proactive steps to change his own trajectory. With only one race remaining in the season and starting from 16th, a podium finish is unlikely, but it could provide a valuable confidence boost heading into 2026.
As Lewis Hamilton prepares for the new season, the pressure will be immense. His ability to adapt to the updated regulations and close the performance gap to Charles Leclerc will determine not only his success in 2026 but also how long he remains at Ferrari and in Formula 1.
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