The first season of Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari in Formula 1 proved to be far from the success both the seven-time world champion and the Scuderia had hoped for. As the 2025 campaign closes, the winter break provides a crucial opportunity for reflection and preparation, aimed at preventing a repeat of Hamilton’s most disappointing season on the grid.
For the first time since Lewis Hamilton made his debut with McLaren in 2007, the 40-year-old failed to secure a podium finish in a Grand Prix. This unfortunate statistic also set a new benchmark for Ferrari, making Hamilton the driver with the most race starts for the team without a top-three finish, excluding Sprint events. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s other driver, comfortably outperformed the Briton in the drivers’ championship, highlighting the contrasting fortunes within the team. However, Charles Leclerc himself was unable to claim a victory in 2025, marking the fourth season in his Ferrari career without a race win and suggesting that the car itself was a core part of the problem.
Ferrari is already preparing for major updates to Lewis Hamilton’s car as the 2026 regulations approach, which are expected to significantly alter the competitive hierarchy of the Formula 1 grid. Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos recently analyzed onboard footage of both Ferrari drivers and concluded that the team is grappling with a severe technical issue, particularly at the rear of the car, that must be addressed before the new season.
Ferrari warned of ‘critical rear-end issue’ ahead of 2026
Speaking on The Pit Talk Podcast at the end of 2025, Robert Doornbos highlighted the difficulties both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc faced behind the wheel of the SF-25. He explained that the onboard footage revealed significant oversteer problems, making the rear of the car unpredictable and difficult to control. Robert Doornbos emphasized that the car’s handling left drivers without confidence, noting that while some elite drivers like Max Verstappen can manage oversteer, even highly skilled drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were challenged by Ferrari’s setup. The former F1 driver concluded that Ferrari’s engineering team had not adequately addressed these handling deficiencies during the season.
Looking ahead: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s future at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are at very different stages of their careers, yet both must navigate the challenges posed by Ferrari’s 2025 performance. Despite speculation about a potential Lewis Hamilton exit, the seven-time world champion publicly dismissed claims that he would leave the Scuderia, remaining focused on the team’s early development of the 2026 car. The Briton’s hope is that the new car and upgraded package will allow him to return to podiums and contend for victories.
Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, faces a more delicate situation. Entering what many consider his peak as a Formula 1 driver, Leclerc has already given his manager clear instructions to avoid negotiations with other teams for the time being, signaling his intention to continue with Ferrari—provided the team resolves the technical issues highlighted in 2025. Nonetheless, interest from rivals, including McLaren if Oscar Piastri were to move on, adds pressure on both Leclerc and Ferrari to deliver a competitive car. For the Monegasque driver, the coming 2026 season will be a critical test of Ferrari’s ability to provide a championship-contending package while retaining their top talent.
Ultimately, Ferrari’s success in 2026 will hinge on addressing the SF-25’s rear-end instability, ensuring Lewis Hamilton can reclaim his podium form, and allowing Charles Leclerc to capitalize on his prime years without being constrained by car performance. Both drivers will be closely monitoring the updates over the winter, knowing that the next season could define the trajectory of their careers with the Scuderia.
