Ferrari’s recent technical upgrades, including the introduction of a new floor, have begun to turn around what had been a challenging 2025 Formula 1 season for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. This shift in momentum has been confirmed by observers who have followed the British driver closely throughout the season.
Although definitive answers will only arrive after the upcoming Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, one thing is certain: Scuderia Ferrari is putting in a tremendous amount of effort behind the scenes to deliver meaningful car updates. These are aimed at helping both Lewis Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc compete more effectively at the front of the grid with a more competitive and consistent car.
A major step in this process was the recent two-day private testing session held at the Mugello Circuit, where Ferrari evaluated a new rear suspension configuration. This new suspension package is expected to make its official debut at the Belgian Grand Prix and could play a crucial role in shaping the rest of Ferrari’s season. After a start to the year filled with difficulties and underperformance, the Maranello-based team is determined to find a breakthrough.
Upgrades key to reviving Lewis Hamilton’s season
When Lewis Hamilton made the high-profile move from Mercedes-AMG Petronas to Ferrari for the 2025 season, many expected an immediate performance leap for the Scuderia. However, things have not gone according to plan so far. The early part of the season was disappointing, and insiders who interact with Hamilton on a regular basis noted that he was visibly disheartened by the situation he encountered at Ferrari.
Motorsport journalist Lawrence Barretto, who covers Formula 1 for F1TV and has frequent contact with Hamilton during race weekends, recently shared insights on the F1 Nation podcast. According to Barretto, the British driver went through a difficult emotional phase due to the car’s lack of performance.
“Interviewing Lewis Hamilton after sessions this season has often been a rather sad experience,” said Barretto. “He was consistently downbeat and disillusioned. Although he won the Sprint race in China, he was never able to deliver the kind of race pace he wanted in the main Grands Prix.”
Barretto further explained that some issues were repeated frequently throughout the first half of the season. Hamilton repeatedly voiced concerns about the braking system and often said that he didn’t feel comfortable behind the wheel of the SF-25, the current Ferrari Formula 1 car.
But recently, there has been a shift in tone and performance. Since Ferrari introduced its new floor concept — a key aerodynamic update — Hamilton appears to be gaining confidence.
“In the last two races, since Ferrari brought the new floor, something has clearly changed,” Lawrence Barretto noted. “It’s evident that he is getting closer to the level of performance he is used to. While he’s not yet where he wants to be, the car is finally starting to give him trust and predictability.”
This evolution is crucial for both Hamilton and Ferrari. For the British driver, who left Mercedes after more than a decade with the Brackley-based team, the 2025 season was supposed to be a fresh start — a chance to lead the resurgence of Formula 1’s most historic team. However, the first ten races were marked by inconsistencies and poor results, making it one of the most frustrating starts to a season in Hamilton’s illustrious career.
Barretto also pointed out that Hamilton had often mentioned to him that he would go into race weekends not knowing what to expect from the car’s behavior.
“One thing he kept repeating to me is that he’d show up at the start of the weekend with no idea how the car would behave,” Lawrence Barretto explained. “We haven’t discussed this in recent weeks, but it’s safe to say that the first ten races of the season were frustrating and very tough for Lewis.”
Now, with Ferrari appearing to make solid progress through targeted aerodynamic and mechanical upgrades — including the new rear suspension scheduled for debut in Spa — the environment is changing. The team is showing it can respond to feedback, improve the car’s balance, and provide its drivers with a platform to fight at a higher level.
The next races will be crucial. If the updated SF-25 continues to evolve and provide the kind of responsiveness and grip Hamilton needs, then the second half of the season could see a significant resurgence. For Lewis Hamilton, it’s not just about scoring points — it’s about laying the foundation for future success and proving that his switch to Ferrari was not just symbolic, but strategic and performance-driven.
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