A former Ferrari driver has explained how the Ferrari power unit is also behind the difficulties Lewis Hamilton has faced so far. Changing teams is never easy. Doing so after ten years full of successes and records is even more challenging. For this reason, despite no one expecting it given the experience of the driver who took the seat, the post-Carlos Sainz era at Maranello has been tougher than anticipated. Lewis Hamilton has been encountering significant challenges in the early stages of his Ferrari career, partly due to the engine used in the SF-25.
Carlos Sainz’s revelation
Carlos Sainz provided insight into the situation. The Spanish driver, after four seasons in the iconic red suit, embraced the Williams project and had to adapt to the Mercedes power unit. This is a key factor not to be underestimated, and Carlos Sainz himself admitted that it has been one of the main reasons for his inconsistent performance during this first part of the 2025 Formula 1 season. “These are two completely different systems. The way the gears are shifted and how the engine braking is used changes significantly between the Ferrari engine and the Mercedes one,” Carlos Sainz explained during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
“To adapt, it’s necessary to change your driving style. I managed to do that quite quickly, but sometimes I still can’t put everything together perfectly. That is why my results haven’t been optimal up to this point,” added the former Ferrari driver.
In this context, it is important to remember that for the 2026 Formula 1 season, completely new engines will be introduced, despite the controversies of recent months. It will therefore be crucial to observe how Lewis Hamilton and other drivers adjust to these new power unit configurations.
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