Ferrari finally sees concrete progress with Lewis Hamilton
The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix offered Ferrari a weekend of tangible results after several weeks of frustration. At the Circuit of the Americas, Lewis Hamilton finished in fourth place, just behind Charles Leclerc, equaling his best result of the year, previously achieved at Imola, Spielberg, and Silverstone. While not a spectacular display, it was a positive performance that highlighted the renewed competitiveness of the seven-time world champion.
A less bitter fourth place for Ferrari
After a challenging Friday, during which the SF-25 showed limited efficiency and proved tricky to drive, Saturday marked a turning point. Adjustments made between the Sprint Race and the main qualifying session helped recover a more predictable and competitive car. Signs of improvement were already visible on Saturday afternoon, when Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton secured third and fifth in qualifying respectively, restoring confidence within the Ferrari team.
In the race, the British driver had a controlled start, overtaking George Russell and executing the strategy planned by the pit wall. During the first stint on Medium tires, Lewis Hamilton appeared capable of staying close to the leaders, though he never seemed fully able to challenge for a podium. His pace, steady but not exceptional, kept him in proximity to Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc in the opening laps.
However, after the pit stop, hopes of breaking into the top three faded. Once fitted with Soft tires, the number 44 Ferrari could not match the pace of the front-running cars, gradually losing contact with Lando Norris and his teammate Charles Leclerc. From that point, Hamilton’s race became quieter but remained effective, consolidating an important position in the championship standings.
In the final stages, the British driver managed the race carefully, keeping behind Oscar Piastri in the McLaren and George Russell in the Mercedes—two significant competitors, even if slightly below their usual performance. His performance, while lacking flash, demonstrated solidity and precision during crucial moments. A fourth-place finish may not thrill fans, but it confirms the progress of the SF-25 on a track where few expected such a strong result.
The work at Maranello pays off
After the race, Lewis Hamilton provided a positive assessment of the weekend, describing it as productive overall. He noted that the first stint was encouraging, as he was in contention for third place, but after the pit stop, the gap to the top three became too large to close. Hamilton appeared calm and satisfied with the team’s work throughout the weekend.
The seven-time world champion added that the weekend as a whole highlighted the progress being made by Ferrari as a team and confirmed that further potential remains untapped within the SF-25. He expressed gratitude to the fans, acknowledging their incredible energy and support during the entire weekend. These comments reflected Hamilton’s constructive attitude and his desire to continue developing Ferrari’s project.
Hamilton keeps improving
The fourth place at Austin represents a positive step for both Lewis Hamilton and Scuderia Ferrari, especially considering the difficulties faced earlier this season. The Ferrari team displayed more consistent behavior, improved tire management, and a balance that finally allowed both drivers to perform without being overly constrained by the car’s limitations.
While a significant gap to the leaders remains, the outlook toward the next race in Mexico is more optimistic. For the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, this performance symbolizes a season of adaptation and team integration in Maranello. However, continued effort will be necessary to strengthen the collaboration within the team.
Lewis Hamilton continues to provide valuable feedback, ensuring point-scoring finishes while gradually asserting leadership, even if he has not yet surpassed Charles Leclerc on track. Although the podium eluded him at Austin, the impression is that the seven-time world champion is steadily growing into his new Ferrari role, with expectations of delivering more satisfying results starting next season.
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