The uncomfortable 2025 change Lewis Hamilton made that’s hurting his Ferrari form

Lewis Hamilton’s Painful Driving Style Change at Ferrari Could Be Fueling His 2025 Struggles

Lewis Hamilton’s difficult adaptation to life at Ferrari showed no signs of improvement during the Barcelona Grand Prix in Montmelo, where the seven-time Formula 1 world champion endured yet another underwhelming weekend. Despite a rare glimmer of hope when he outqualified Charles Leclerc on Saturday, the optimism quickly faded as the race unfolded. Charles Leclerc had been conserving tyres for Sunday’s main event, and by the chequered flag, it was clear Ferrari’s internal expectations had again fallen flat.

Ferrari had been optimistic that the FIA’s updated technical directive on flexible front wings would shake up the competitive hierarchy. Lewis Hamilton, however, had already expressed skepticism about the impact of the changes, having seen minimal improvement when testing the updated car in the simulator. His concerns were validated on Sunday as his SF-25 once again proved difficult to handle, particularly under race conditions.

Lewis Hamilton’s struggles were starkly highlighted as Leclerc charged ahead to secure his third podium of the season, while the Briton labored to a sixth-place finish, only elevated due to a post-race penalty for Max Verstappen. But even that minor boost was overshadowed by a humiliating late-race overtake by Sauber’s Nico Hülkenberg on the main straight—a moment that some fans viewed as symbolic of Lewis Hamilton’s ongoing decline at Maranello.

The Ferrari Transition That’s Making Lewis Hamilton “Very Uncomfortable”
Part of Hamilton’s continuing difficulties may lie in a fundamental change he’s made to his driving style. During the Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton reportedly described the SF-25 as the most unbalanced and unpredictable car he had ever raced. In particular, the lack of stability at the rear meant he was battling excessive snap oversteer—more than any other driver on the grid.

While Charles Leclerc was once again able to extract more performance from the same car, insiders believe the difference stemmed from Lewis Hamilton’s chronic lack of confidence in the front end. The 40-year-old has found it especially challenging to drive around these limitations. Journalist Julianne Cerasoli has revealed that Hamilton is attempting to alter his driving technique to better suit the characteristics of the Ferrari, but the change is proving to be a major discomfort. According to Julianne Cerasoli, the Briton admitted the adjustments feel unnatural, which could be affecting his consistency during races.

This marks the first time in his illustrious career that Hamilton has driven a car not powered by a Mercedes engine. That transition alone has added layers of complexity to his adaptation at Ferrari, with many in the paddock now questioning whether the team has done enough to support the British driver’s integration.

A Dejected Hamilton Questions Ferrari’s Direction and Support
The emotional toll of these continued setbacks became clear at the Circuit de Catalunya, where the former Mercedes man appeared visibly distraught after the race. Observers noted that he was seen wiping tears from his eyes under his helmet following a dismal final stint. His inability to capitalize on the late safety car only deepened the disappointment, and many believe this was his lowest moment since joining Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season.

Despite David Coulthard suggesting there were still positives to take—citing Lewis Hamilton’s ability to match the Monegasque’s pace during the race’s middle stint—the larger concern remains Hamilton’s inconsistency. Even Charles Leclerc was heard expressing frustration over team radio about Hamilton’s pace, shortly before the team instructed him to pass his teammate.

In a sign of deepening frustration, Lewis Hamilton has reportedly started pushing back against team principal Fred Vasseur, urging Ferrari to halt further development of the 2025 car. Disillusioned with the current package, the seven-time F1 world champion is now placing his hopes on the significant regulatory overhaul scheduled for 2026. The Briton appears increasingly convinced that this season may already be a lost cause.

Adding to the tension is a growing sense that Lewis Hamilton no longer feels fully supported within the Ferrari camp. Sources suggest that he suspects parts of the organization may be losing faith in his ability to deliver results, given the disparity in performance between himself and Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton’s post-race remark that he simply wanted to “go home” after the Spanish Grand Prix has further fueled speculation that he may be contemplating his long-term future with the Scuderia.