Lewis Hamilton Faces Major Setback as Ferrari's SF-25 Struggle

Lewis Hamilton Faces Major Setback as Ferrari’s SF-25 Struggles to D…..read more

Lewis Hamilton’s much-hyped move to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season has hit an unexpected roadblock. The team’s newest contender, the SF-25, has so far underperformed, raising serious concerns about its competitiveness on the grid. Although Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari was initially seen as a potential game-changer, the car’s on-track behavior has mirrored the very problems he hoped to escape from at Mercedes.

The SF-25 has been plagued by handling inconsistencies, particularly in high-speed corners, where it has proven difficult to control and unpredictable in its responses. These issues became apparent during pre-season testing, where Hamilton was frequently seen wrestling with the car’s balance. Despite putting in multiple laps, he struggled to produce competitive times, falling behind his new teammate, Charles Leclerc. This was particularly troubling, as Hamilton had been vocal about needing a stable and predictable car—something the SF-25 clearly isn’t providing at this stage.

Ferrari had introduced several technical changes to the car in an effort to close the gap with the top teams. Among the most significant modifications was a switch to a pull-rod front suspension system. This change was aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip. However, the new system appears to have introduced more problems than it solved, contributing to the SF-25’s erratic behavior. Engineers are now reportedly working around the clock to fine-tune the setup, but a definitive fix is yet to be found.

The troubles came to a head at the Miami Grand Prix, where a series of strategic errors and miscommunication within the Ferrari garage further aggravated the situation. During the race, Hamilton was audibly frustrated over the team radio, questioning the pit stop timing and overall race strategy. His criticisms didn’t go unnoticed, and they highlighted the growing tension between the driver’s expectations and the team’s current capabilities. Hamilton emphasized the need for more decisive communication and a more coherent strategy, indicating that Ferrari’s operational execution must drastically improve if they are to be competitive.

Internally, Ferrari is feeling the pressure. With a seven-time world champion on board, expectations were sky-high. Yet the current trajectory suggests the team might be unable to deliver a car capable of fighting for podiums, let alone championships. While Charles Leclerc has managed slightly better results, the gap in performance and confidence between the two drivers suggests that car setup and driver feedback are not yet aligned.

This development is particularly disheartening for Hamilton, who joined Ferrari with the ambition of adding an eighth world title to his record. Instead, he finds himself in a situation reminiscent of his recent struggles at Mercedes—an underperforming car, strategic blunders, and mounting frustration. The team’s inability to provide a competitive package early in the season could jeopardize their championship hopes and put immense pressure on the technical department to deliver rapid upgrades.

In summary, while the 2025 season is still in its early stages, Ferrari and Hamilton have already encountered serious challenges. The SF-25’s performance shortcomings, coupled with operational missteps, are raising doubts about whether this partnership can fulfill its lofty aspirations. Unless Ferrari finds solutions quickly, Hamilton’s dream of revival in red could turn into another season of unfulfilled potential.