Breaking: Ferrari Throws Hamilton a Lifeline After…Read more
Ferrari Backs Hamilton Amid Rocky Start, Signals Strategic Shifts to Turn Season Around
Ferrari has moved to reinforce its support for Lewis Hamilton following a difficult start to his debut season with the Scuderia. The seven-time world champion, who made a sensational switch from Mercedes for the 2025 Formula 1 season, has so far struggled to find his rhythm in red. In the opening rounds of the campaign, Hamilton has failed to finish higher than fifth place, while his teammate Charles Leclerc has enjoyed a much stronger start, securing several podium finishes and outpacing Hamilton both in qualifying and races.
Despite the underwhelming results, Ferrari is standing firmly behind Hamilton. Team principal Fred Vasseur has been vocal in his backing of the British driver, pushing back against growing media criticism. “We are 2,000 per cent behind Lewis,” Vasseur stated, underlining the team’s belief in Hamilton’s ability to overcome early challenges. He pointed to Hamilton’s recent race performances as evidence that improvement is underway, even if the results on paper have yet to fully reflect that progress.
The main issues plaguing Hamilton’s performance appear to stem from the SF-25’s handling characteristics. Hamilton has openly discussed his difficulties with the car, particularly its tendency to understeer and its sensitivity to tyre wear. These factors have made it difficult for him to extract the full potential from the car during both qualifying and long race stints. While Leclerc seems to have adapted well, Hamilton is still adjusting to the unique driving style required to handle Ferrari’s 2025 challenger.
In response, Hamilton is taking a proactive approach. He plans to spend more time at Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello, where he will work closely with engineers to analyze telemetry and refine his driving style to better suit the car. Collaboration with Leclerc will also be crucial, as the team seeks to develop a more unified strategy that allows both drivers to maximize performance.
Ferrari’s leadership, meanwhile, is considering broader strategic changes to ensure their championship ambitions remain alive. CEO Benedetto Vigna has hinted that the team may implement team orders in the future if necessary. While Ferrari has historically been cautious with such measures, Vigna acknowledged that success may demand tough decisions. “Our objective is clear: we want to win,” Vigna explained. “With a reinforced team and two strong drivers, we believe this partnership can bring us to the top.”
The mention of team orders comes amid increasing pressure from both fans and stakeholders for Ferrari to assert themselves more decisively in the championship battle. With Leclerc currently delivering stronger results, some within the paddock speculate that Ferrari may prioritize him in the short term to maximize their points haul. However, Vasseur has stressed that Hamilton’s experience and racecraft remain invaluable assets that will be key in the latter half of the season.
All eyes will now turn to the upcoming Miami Grand Prix on May 4, where Hamilton will look to claim his first podium with Ferrari. The race represents a critical opportunity for him to build momentum and prove that his move from Mercedes was not in vain. A strong performance in Miami could mark a turning point, not just for Hamilton’s season, but also for Ferrari’s campaign as they look to challenge Red Bull and McLaren at the front of the grid.
As the season unfolds, the spotlight will remain fixed on how Hamilton and Ferrari adapt. Their collaboration will be tested, and the choices made—both on the pit wall and behind the scenes—could determine whether this high-profile partnership can evolve into a championship-winning force.
