Ferrari’s 2025 F1 Struggles Continue as Lewis Hamilton’s Pace Falters After Practice
Ferrari are facing a challenging 2025 Formula 1 season, still searching for their first race victory with only seven events remaining. If they fail to secure a win, it would mark the first season since 2014 in which neither Ferrari driver has reached the podium, highlighting ongoing performance struggles across the team.
The situation has been particularly concerning in recent races, as McLaren has emerged as a competitor Ferrari has been unable to capitalize on. At Monza, while Ferrari did not possess the outright fastest car, it was Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who delivered a commanding victory. In Baku, the scenario worsened: Lando Norris qualified seventh and Oscar Piastri experienced multiple crashes, while Charles Leclerc collided with the barriers and Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in Q2. Ferrari’s presence in crucial moments has been surprisingly absent, raising questions about strategy, setup, and adaptability.
Ferrari had specifically targeted Azerbaijan as a potential opportunity for victory, hoping to capitalize on the unpredictability of the street circuit. Instead, the team walked away with just six points, amplifying concerns about their ability to contend in upcoming races, including Las Vegas, another track where Ferrari had anticipated a strong performance.
Why Lewis Hamilton’s Pace Declines After Practice
A troubling pattern has emerged at Ferrari during the 2025 season: the team often displays strong speed in practice sessions, drawing attention from rivals, only to see that pace diminish when it truly matters in qualifying and races. This trend has been particularly noticeable with Lewis Hamilton, who has frequently topped Friday practice timings at three of the last six Grands Prix. Yet, the promise shown early in the weekend has failed to translate into competitive results.
For instance, at Silverstone, Hamilton made a minor error on the final lap of qualifying, resulting in a fifth-place start. At Monza, he was already over three-tenths of a second off the pole position time before a five-place grid penalty pushed him down to 10th. At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton struggled with an unstable rear end during qualifying and questioned Ferrari’s strategic execution after being sent out on worn soft tires. These incidents collectively highlight the difficulties Hamilton faces as the weekend progresses.
Several factors contribute to this recurring issue. Ferrari has been forced to raise the ride height of their car to comply with FIA underbody regulations, a change that compromises downforce and negatively impacts performance in competitive sessions. While the car can demonstrate flashes of speed during practice, it struggles to maintain adaptability once weekend conditions become more demanding. Sky Italy pundit Ivan Capelli has suggested that Ferrari’s improvements often come at the wrong time, noting that while the car can show brilliance under regulatory scrutiny, it struggles when full performance is required during qualifying and races.
Driver Dynamics and Team Challenges
Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve has commented on Hamilton’s interviews, describing them as somewhat unusual and suggesting the seven-time champion might appear less motivated. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s management, including team principal Guenther Steiner, has expressed some regret over the departure of Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard had consistently outperformed Charles Leclerc in qualifying and races, particularly on Saturdays, providing the team with a competitive edge that Hamilton and Leclerc have struggled to replicate this season.
The former Formula 1 driver has also noted that Ferrari’s current struggles are not solely down to driver performance. Even Charles Leclerc, who arguably is experiencing his most consistent and complete season, has been unable to secure a victory. This points to a deeper issue within Ferrari’s 2025 car, which appears fundamentally flawed in design and setup. Both of Ferrari’s lead drivers have been limited by the car’s lack of balance, consistency, and adaptability, preventing them from fully showcasing their skills.
Looking Ahead for Ferrari and Hamilton
Despite these challenges, there is still room for optimism as the team looks toward the remainder of the 2025 season and the major regulatory changes coming in 2026. For Lewis Hamilton, understanding the limitations of the current Ferrari chassis and providing detailed feedback is crucial to maximizing performance. Analysts suggest that improvements in setup, strategy, and race management could help mitigate the recurring loss of pace after practice sessions, giving Ferrari a chance to convert strong practice performances into competitive qualifying positions and race results.
In summary, Ferrari’s 2025 season continues to be defined by underperformance despite moments of promise, particularly during practice sessions. Lewis Hamilton’s recurring drop in pace, combined with structural flaws in the car and strategic missteps, has prevented the team from capitalizing on opportunities. While driver skill remains a critical component, the 2025 Ferrari F1 car requires significant improvement to restore competitiveness and allow both Hamilton and Leclerc to achieve their potential on the track.
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