**Hamilton Matches Villeneuve’s Wait as Ferrari Podium Drought Hits 14 Races**
Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated first season in Ferrari red is turning into a frustrating wait for a Sunday podium. After 14 Grands Prix in 2025, the seven-time world champion is tied with Gilles Villeneuve for the second-longest run of races before scoring a top-three finish with the Scuderia. Only Didier Pironi’s 19-race drought looms larger.
The wait continues! Lewis Hamilton is currently tied for second on the all-time list for the most races before a first Ferrari grand prix podium 💔 pic.twitter.com/8hTQiYPHp8
— The Race (@wearetherace) August 5, 2025
Despite securing a Sprint Race win in China and a third place in Miami’s sprint, Hamilton’s best Grand Prix result remains a fourth place in Austria. His most recent outing at the Hungarian GP saw him qualify P12, struggle in the midfield DRS trains, clash with Max Verstappen, and ultimately finish P12—his worst result of the season.
Hamilton’s self-criticism was blunt—calling himself “useless” after Hungary qualifying—and even hinting Ferrari might be “better off replacing him.” Still, Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur insists he’s not demotivated, while ex-Mercedes chief Toto Wolff defended his former driver, calling him “the GOAT and will always be the GOAT.”
Meanwhile, teammate Charles Leclerc has already scored five podiums in 2025 and sits 42 points ahead in the standings, adding to the contrast. With Ferrari second in the Constructors’ standings but nearly 300 points adrift of McLaren, the summer break before Zandvoort could be make-or-break for Hamilton’s mindset and momentum.