Lewis Hamilton adapting to radical Ferrari system after 12 years at Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton continues to face unexpected challenges adapting to Ferrari's systems in the 2025 F1 season.

Lewis Hamilton Facing Unexpected Challenges at Ferrari Amid 2025 F1 Season Adjustments

Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari hasn’t delivered the dream start he may have envisioned for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Despite flashes of promise, the seven-time world champion has been grappling with a series of unforeseen hurdles in adapting to his new environment after over a decade with Mercedes.

Hamilton’s campaign took an early hit with a disqualification from the Chinese Grand Prix due to excessive plank wear. That incident prompted a cautious approach from Ferrari at the following round in Japan, as the team delayed the debut of a new floor until Bahrain. While the upgrade did bring some performance gains, it still wasn’t enough to close the gap to McLaren, with Hamilton consistently finishing behind his teammate Charles Leclerc in the early races.

The highlight of his Formula 1 season so far came during the Sprint Race in China, where Hamilton secured pole position and converted it into victory. That moment of triumph stood out in a season where all four Grand Prix winners have started from pole. His form carried some momentum into Bahrain, where he managed a solid finish inside the top ten, beating Max Verstappen and narrowly trailing Leclerc.

Journalist Stuart Codling, speaking on the Autosport podcast, provided insight into Hamilton’s ongoing adjustment process, noting how the veteran driver is working to adapt to elements of Ferrari’s car that simply didn’t exist in his previous setup at Mercedes.

Stuart Codling explained that Hamilton, now partnered with race engineer Riccardo Adami, has been refining communication within the team while also dealing with fundamental changes in the car’s systems. Ferrari may have solved the cockpit position issues that plagued him during his final years at Mercedes, but other aspects—particularly the braking system—require a different approach.

According to Stuart Codling, Lewis Hamilton has emphasized the difficulty of making the switch after twelve years of familiarity with a specific driving style and car behavior. He pointed out that Ferrari’s use of Brembo braking systems contrasts sharply with the Carbon Industries setup Lewis Hamilton had grown accustomed to. The feel, bite point, and engine braking demands are entirely different, posing a steep learning curve for the 40-year-old.

Meanwhile, former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has cast doubt on Lewis Hamilton’s chances of achieving his eighth world title with the Maranello squad. Speaking during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, di Montezemolo remarked that he did not believe Hamilton’s dream of clinching a championship in red would be realized.

Nevertheless, the British driver has built his legacy on defying expectations. Throughout his career, he has consistently silenced critics with his performances on track. With plenty of the 2025 Formula 1 season still ahead, Lewis Hamilton will be eager to prove once again that he can overcome adversity and write a new chapter in the Maranello team’s storied history.