Breaking:Lewis Hamilton faces setback amid Ferrari SF-25 ‘crisis’ developments… read more
Lewis Hamilton faces setback amid Ferrari SF-25 ‘crisis’ developments… read more
Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated move to Ferrari has not started as smoothly as expected, with the seven-time World Champion facing several setbacks in his debut season with the team. Despite high expectations, Hamilton is yet to make a major impact behind the wheel of the Ferrari SF-25, as issues with qualifying performance and car compatibility continue to hinder progress.
According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, a critical issue has been identified in Ferrari’s 2025 car, the SF-25. It reportedly struggles significantly in low-speed corners when running on minimal fuel – conditions typically encountered during qualifying sessions. The car “goes into crisis” in such scenarios, as it lacks the mechanical grip necessary to perform well, especially when the fuel load is light. This shortcoming is proving to be a major obstacle, particularly for Hamilton.
Although Hamilton managed a standout performance in China by winning the Sprint race from pole position, such success has not carried over to the full race weekends. In fact, he has yet to finish a grand prix ahead of his team-mate Charles Leclerc. In both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Hamilton trailed Leclerc by more than half a second in qualifying – a concerning gap for the F1 veteran.
Hamilton has voiced his frustration publicly, describing the situation as “painful” and even suggesting there may be “no fix” for what lies ahead this season. His comments have included hints of tension within the Ferrari camp, with Hamilton suggesting that the team’s leadership may be losing patience. As the Miami Grand Prix approaches, Hamilton has expressed doubt about making significant improvements in the short term, predicting further struggles.
A key issue appears to be Hamilton’s difficulty in adapting to the SF-25 after 12 years driving for Mercedes. He has described the Ferrari car as “alien,” underscoring how different it feels compared to what he’s used to. Ferrari’s engineers are also reportedly grappling with the car’s sensitivity to ride height changes – another technical concern that came into focus following Hamilton’s disqualification from the Chinese Grand Prix for excessive plank wear, a sign that the car may have been running too low to the ground.
In response to the disqualification, Hamilton confirmed that the team had been forced to raise the car higher than optimal, negatively impacting performance. In Formula 1, even slight variations in ride height can dramatically affect aerodynamics and handling, especially through slower corners where mechanical grip is crucial. The SF-25’s inability to perform consistently under these conditions adds a significant handicap during qualifying.
These ongoing problems have sparked speculation about Hamilton’s future in the sport. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher suggested that if Hamilton’s performance slump continues, he may consider retiring from Formula 1 altogether. While Schumacher’s comments have stirred debate, Hamilton himself has dismissed the idea of giving up.
Speaking to fans in London at the opening of a new Fanatics Collectibles store, Hamilton struck a more hopeful tone. “Please keep your fingers crossed,” he said. “I’m not going to give up. We’re going to keep getting better. Still we rise, right?”
Hamilton’s determination remains evident, even amid adversity. Yet, the combination of technical challenges with the SF-25 and his personal adaptation period has certainly cast a shadow over the early stages of his Ferrari career. As the season progresses, much will depend on how quickly both Hamilton and the Ferrari team can resolve the SF-25’s flaws and build a more competitive package.
