Lewis Hamilton is fully aware of how crucial the second half of the 2025 Formula 1 season will be for both himself and Ferrari. Securing second place in the constructors’ championship is essential for several important reasons.
Firstly, Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, faces mounting pressure as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, putting his position on the line. The team’s performance in the closing stages of the championship will likely influence decisions about his future. Meanwhile, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are eager to build momentum and confidence as they prepare for the sweeping regulation changes coming in 2026, especially considering neither driver has yet won a Grand Prix this year—discounting sprint race victories.
Additionally, Ferrari is preparing to introduce a significant upgrade package at the Belgian Grand Prix. While the car for the 2026 season will look dramatically different due to new technical rules, certain components or design concepts from this year’s updates could serve as valuable foundations or inspirations for development during the winter break.
Perhaps even more critical than outright performance improvements is the need for Hamilton and Leclerc to witness effective problem-solving within the team, particularly from key technical personnel such as Loic Serra. Demonstrating the ability to identify and address issues efficiently is arguably more important than whether the current SF-25 can suddenly compete with McLaren in the short term. This need for strong technical leadership could also explain some of Hamilton’s more subdued or frustrated moods during race weekends when results do not go in his favor.
Insights from journalist and paddock insider Lawrence Barretto shed light on Lewis Hamilton’s mindset since his move to Ferrari. Speaking on the F1 Nation Podcast, Barretto shared his experience interviewing Hamilton multiple times this season and described it as “reasonably bleak,” noting the driver’s visible disappointment throughout much of the year.
Lawrence Barretto explained that Hamilton had started the season with great optimism, particularly after his impressive Sprint Race win in China. However, the positive momentum quickly faded as ongoing difficulties hindered his progress. Hamilton has repeatedly mentioned issues with the car’s brakes, highlighting how uncomfortable he feels with the braking system—a sensation he admitted was unlike anything he had experienced before in his Formula 1 career. This discomfort, along with other factors, has contributed to a general unease behind the wheel.
However, Lawrence Barretto observed a subtle shift in Hamilton’s demeanor during the last two races in Austria and Silverstone, coinciding with Ferrari’s introduction of a floor and diffuser upgrade. While Hamilton remains far from his desired level of competitiveness, the improvements seem to have provided a more consistent driving experience, reflected in a slightly more positive body language.
One of Hamilton’s frequent remarks has been that at the start of each race weekend, he feels uncertain about the car’s behavior and the challenges that lie ahead. Barretto noted that this sense of unpredictability had been a recurring theme during the first ten races but appeared less prominent in the most recent events, suggesting a possible turning point in Hamilton’s season.
Meanwhile, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has expressed concerns regarding Lewis Hamilton’s race pace since joining Ferrari. Currently sitting sixth in the drivers’ championship, Hamilton narrowly missed continuing his podium streak at Silverstone, a result that likely left him frustrated. The trackside fans were enthusiastic about Nico Hulkenberg’s breakthrough podium finish, yet many had come specifically to see Hamilton compete.
One of the ongoing challenges for Ferrari is the SF-25’s sensitivity to “dirty air” when following closely behind other cars, which impacts both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. This aerodynamic limitation compromises their qualifying pace and race performance, preventing them from consistently overtaking rivals.
Palmer worries that Hamilton may have lost some of his race pace since switching teams, which, if true, significantly diminishes his realistic chances of securing an unprecedented eighth world championship alongside Charles Leclerc.
Nonetheless, there remains uncertainty about how the new 2026 regulations—marking the end of the current ground effect era—will influence car performance and driver competitiveness. Only time will tell how Hamilton will adapt to the radically changed machinery in the upcoming season.
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