Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has acknowledged the ongoing challenges he faces adapting to Ferrari’s SF-25, but emphasized the unwavering support he has received from the Maranello-based team as he continues to settle into his new environment. The seven-time world champion, who made the high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season, is still in the process of fine-tuning his performance within the Scuderia’s unique ecosystem.
After a difficult start to the season — including a particularly tough race in Australia where he struggled to find pace — Lewis Hamilton managed to bounce back with an impressive pole position in the Shanghai Sprint and a dominant victory in the 19-lap contest. However, that momentum proved short-lived, as the subsequent round at Suzuka saw him battle with a lack of speed during qualifying and significant tyre degradation compared to his closest competitors.
There were signs of progress in Bahrain, where Hamilton seemed more at ease in the SF-25, although a subpar final qualifying lap meant he started ninth on the grid. Despite that, he impressed on Sunday by climbing the order with a bold alternate strategy and a string of decisive overtakes to finish fifth, marking one of his most competitive race performances of the season.
Though Ferrari’s overall pace dipped again at the Miami Grand Prix, the Briton showed marked improvement in both qualifying and race conditions. His performance highlighted a key step forward in tyre management and overall consistency, offering hope that better results are on the horizon.
Reflecting on his time at Ferrari’s headquarters, Lewis Hamilton shared that he has developed a strong affection for Italy and is eager to spend more time there. He joked about his difficulty avoiding traditional Italian cuisine, confessing to indulging in several pizzas during his most recent visit to Maranello. He revealed that he even has a local contact who brings him pizza upon request — a temptation he finds hard to resist despite his efforts to maintain a strict diet.
While he admitted that his efforts to learn Italian haven’t progressed as quickly as he’d like, Lewis Hamilton noted that fully immersing himself in the culture may be the key to improvement. He remains determined to engage more deeply with the language and local lifestyle as the season progresses.
The British driver also praised Ferrari for the significant adjustments the team has made to help ease his integration. From simulator modifications to collaborative feedback sessions, the British driver reported that everyone at the factory has been proactive, responsive, and entirely committed to helping him feel at home. He expressed genuine appreciation for the dedication shown by the team, stating that their support has made a meaningful difference in his transition to the legendary Italian outfit.
Leave a Reply