Guenther Steiner highlights the hype problem surrounding Hamilton
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner suggested that Hamilton’s biggest problem this year has been the level of hype surrounding his sensational move from Mercedes to Ferrari. The expectation was that he would immediately fight for his record-breaking eighth championship, but the SF-25 has struggled to find the right performance window. The car has been plagued with balance issues, particularly understeer, leaving Hamilton frustrated in his first year with the Maranello-based squad.
Ferrari currently sit third in the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, but the SF-25 has proved uncompetitive compared to rivals. This situation has prompted Hamilton to openly criticize the Formula 1 budget cap, arguing that it prevents teams from aggressively developing their cars during a season that precedes major regulation changes. However, McLaren’s contrasting success tells a different story.
Why McLaren’s 2025 upgrades challenge Lewis Hamilton’s budget cap claims
The Formula 1 cost cap, introduced in 2021, restricts teams’ annual expenditure to around £100m. Lewis Hamilton has voiced concerns that the financial limits have shifted development focus prematurely to the upcoming 2026 regulation overhaul, making the 2025 season less competitive. He pointed to previous transition seasons, such as 2008 and 2013, when Ferrari and McLaren kept upgrading throughout the year despite looming regulation shifts.
Yet, the evidence in 2025 suggests otherwise. Ferrari attempted a radical rear suspension upgrade at Spa in a bid to resolve their ongoing ride height problems, but the updates have failed to deliver the expected performance. In contrast, McLaren have executed their development programme with remarkable efficiency, producing 12 race victories so far this year. Their success has not only given them a dominant position in the championship but has also allowed them to pivot resources toward preparing their car for 2026 earlier than rivals.
The key difference lies not in the budget cap itself but in how teams have managed to extract value and performance under the financial constraints. Ferrari’s struggles highlight shortcomings in development direction, while McLaren’s engineering group has maximized every opportunity, proving that winning upgrades are achievable under cost cap regulations.
Andrea Stella disagrees with Hamilton on budget cap ‘limitations’
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has been clear that he does not view the cost cap as a limitation. Instead, he sees it as a safeguard for the long-term sustainability of Formula 1. Stella pointed out that McLaren’s resurgence has been achieved under the cap, demonstrating that financial constraints do not necessarily hinder performance gains. In his words, the team has found ways to achieve progress through technical innovation and operational efficiency rather than purely financial firepower.
Looking ahead, the financial regulations will evolve once again. The cost cap is set to increase to $215 million (around £160 million) in 2026, giving teams a larger budget as the sport enters a new technical era. While Lewis Hamilton has voiced his frustration with the current system, McLaren’s rise shows that smart management, creativity, and strategic upgrades remain crucial for success in modern Formula 1.
Hamilton faces crucial months ahead at Ferrari
For Lewis Hamilton, the remainder of the 2025 season is critical. With seven races left, he is still searching for that elusive first podium with the Maranello team. His record at circuits like Singapore and Suzuka suggests he could deliver results before the season ends, but the SF-25’s inconsistency remains a significant obstacle. Should Ferrari continue to underperform, the Briton’s maiden year in red risks being remembered more for frustration than triumph.
Ultimately, McLaren’s ability to thrive under the same financial restrictions undermines the seven-time Formula 1 world champion’s criticism of the budget cap. The comparison between the two teams demonstrates that the real difference is not the spending ceiling itself, but how effectively each team uses its resources to develop a car capable of winning races. For now, Ferrari’s failure to capitalize on their upgrades has left Lewis Hamilton waiting for a breakthrough, while McLaren continue to set the standard for what is possible under Formula 1’s financial regulations.
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