Lewis Hamilton’s inaugural season with Ferrari has taken a troubling turn, as an internal investigation by the team uncovers significant factors contributing to his recent performance struggles. Following a disappointing sixth-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix—where teammate Charles Leclerc secured a podium—Ferrari’s analysis points to a complex interplay of technical and adaptation challenges affecting the seven-time world champion.
Technical Discrepancies and Car Behavior
Telemetry data from recent races indicate that Hamilton is grappling with understeer issues, particularly in medium-speed corners. This handling imbalance forces him to brake earlier and compromises his acceleration out of turns, leading to increased tire degradation over race distances . Additionally, adjustments made to the SF-25’s setup, including changes to ride height and suspension, have reportedly disrupted the car’s balance, further complicating Hamilton’s ability to extract optimal performance .
Adaptation Challenges
Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari has not been seamless. Despite a promising start with a sprint victory in China, subsequent races have highlighted difficulties in adapting to the SF-25’s characteristics. Notably, during pre-season testing, Hamilton was yet to receive his definitive steering wheel, potentially hindering his acclimatization to the new machinery . Furthermore, Ferrari’s engineers are reportedly working to address a “strange” balance problem in the 2025 car that was absent in the previous season, adding another layer of complexity to Hamilton’s adaptation process .
Team Dynamics and Communication
Amidst these technical challenges, Hamilton has also faced scrutiny over his communication with the team. During the Spanish Grand Prix, he expressed frustration over the radio, stating, “Something is wrong with this car,” and later described the race as “terrible” . Post-race, Hamilton issued a private apology to Sky F1 reporter Rachel Brookes for his terse interview, acknowledging the emotional toll of his performance struggles .
Looking Ahead
Ferrari remains committed to resolving these issues, with Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur emphasizing the need for technical improvements, particularly in the suspension system, to better align the car’s performance with Hamilton’s driving style . As the season progresses, the team aims to enhance the SF-25’s competitiveness, ensuring both drivers can maximize the car’s potential and compete effectively in upcoming races.
Hamilton currently sits sixth in the drivers’ standings, 23 points behind Leclerc. With the championship still within reach, Ferrari’s swift resolution of these challenges will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Hamilton’s debut season with the Scuderia
