Lewis Hamilton is facing a significant challenge as he struggles to adapt to his 2025 Ferrari. The seven-time World Champion has spent his entire F1 career driving cars powered by Mercedes engines, so making the transition to a Ferrari is a monumental task for the 40-year-old Brit. As expected, it will take time for Hamilton to get used to the car’s setup and the team’s operational style. However, this did not stop Ferrari fans from having high expectations at the start of the season, with many believing that Hamilton could break Ferrari’s 26-year winless streak, including Hamilton himself. Christian Danner, a former F1 driver, pointed out that Hamilton privately believed he was Ferrari’s “saviour,” a sentiment that quickly diminished after the first six races of the season.
After the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton found himself in seventh place in the standings. He has managed to secure two podium finishes in Sprint races, including a win in Shanghai, but has yet to finish in the top three during Sunday races. Ferrari’s struggles this season can be attributed to tyre management issues and ineffective communication from the pit wall. Team principal Frederic Vasseur spoke with Hamilton following the Miami GP, focusing on improving tyre management as the team seeks solutions to these ongoing problems.
Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, has had a more successful season so far, securing Ferrari’s only podium finish in Jeddah, which has given him a clear advantage over Hamilton. The Brit is still grappling with the car’s setup and struggling to find the right balance, but there may be hope on the horizon. A family member of Leclerc might hold the solution to Hamilton’s woes.
Arthur Leclerc, Charles’s younger brother, has been involved in testing new ‘mechanical setup solutions’ that could provide the breakthrough Hamilton needs to unlock the performance from his SF-23. Ferrari, who are already working on an unexpected suspension change after the Miami GP, have also been conducting TPC tests to collect data and search for further improvements. These tests aim to refine the car’s setup and give the team a better chance at being competitive.
In a recent private test at Mugello, Ferrari juniors Dino Beganovic and Arthur Leclerc worked with the SF-23. While these young drivers have previously participated in FP1 sessions during Grand Prix weekends, this Mugello test was of particular importance as Arthur Leclerc looked for mechanical solutions that could be transferred to the SF-25. According to a report in the Italian media, these potential changes could help Hamilton extract more performance from his Ferrari, potentially offering him the key to success.
Despite the high expectations surrounding Ferrari, the team’s performance has been disappointing. However, this private test could provide the answers they desperately need. The team has already fallen 152 points behind McLaren in the standings, and Hamilton’s frustration is beginning to show. Ferrari’s indecision with their strategy in Miami was a key moment in this frustration, leading to sarcastic radio messages from Hamilton when he was instructed to make way for Leclerc. This marked a sharp contrast to the optimism Hamilton had at the start of the season.
Ferrari, known for their pride in their team, would have been displeased with Lewis Hamilton’s comments. Unlike Michael Schumacher, who famously avoided public criticism of the team during his time at Ferrari, Hamilton’s frustration was laid bare. Martin Brundle, a former F1 driver, expressed surprise when the British driver referred to the team as “you guys,” emphasizing his growing discontent. For Ferrari, this marks a crucial moment where the team needs to act swiftly to address their issues and restore Lewis Hamilton’s morale. With the championship slipping further out of reach, the pressure is mounting on the Maranello squad to find a solution before it’s too late.
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