F1 Report:Ferrari ran into trouble following…read more 

Ferrari ran into trouble following…read more 

 

Ferrari is reportedly going to great lengths to support Lewis Hamilton during his first season with the team, as the seven-time world champion works to find consistency following his high-profile switch from Mercedes. So far, the 2025 season has been underwhelming for Ferrari, and while Hamilton’s adaptation is ongoing, it would be unfair to pin the team’s broader struggles solely on him.

 

Despite the hype surrounding Hamilton’s arrival, Ferrari’s current form suggests a team more concerned with fending off midfield challengers than battling the front-runners. Their lackluster showing at the Miami Grand Prix further highlighted their issues, reinforcing the notion that their problems extend beyond any one driver.

 

Charles Leclerc’s deep-rooted experience with Ferrari has been vital during this difficult period. His understanding of the team’s culture, systems, and car setup makes him a cornerstone within the garage. Meanwhile, Hamilton is facing a steep learning curve, adjusting not only to a new environment but also to a different technical philosophy, particularly in terms of braking systems.

 

One of Hamilton’s main challenges has been adapting to Ferrari’s use of Brembo brakes, a system significantly different from what he used at Mercedes. At 40 years old, Hamilton must also recalibrate his driving style to align with Ferrari’s unique approach, especially regarding engine braking—a key area where comfort and confidence are essential.

 

Controversy recently surfaced surrounding a rumor that Ferrari considered switching from Brembo to Carbon Industrie brakes—potentially to suit Hamilton’s preferences better. This speculation, initially brought up by journalist Edd Straw, suggested Ferrari may have informally tested other brake options in private. However, the leak of this possibility reportedly caused internal tension, forcing the team to back away from any potential change.

 

Straw emphasized the sensitivity of such a switch, citing Brembo’s historic partnership with Ferrari and their shared Italian heritage as reasons why any deviation would be politically and commercially problematic. Even if Ferrari had entertained the idea of accommodating Hamilton with a different supplier, the public exposure made that option unrealistic.

 

Hamilton’s performance has shown some promise despite the challenges. He beat Leclerc in the Chinese Sprint Race and secured a podium finish in the Miami Sprint, indicating that he’s capable of competing at a high level. Analysts, including Peter Windsor, have noted that Hamilton’s race pace improves as fuel loads decrease—suggesting his comfort with the car grows over time. Windsor believes the braking system may be a key factor in Hamilton’s adaptation struggles, especially considering how his driving style has evolved over the years.

 

Supporting that view, Kevin Magnussen recently pointed out the stark differences in braking behavior between current and older generations of F1 cars. He noted that adapting to new technologies is essential for success.

 

While Ferrari ultimately stuck with Brembo brakes, the possibility of revisiting that decision may resurface if Hamilton continues to trail Leclerc. In a season growing increasingly competitive, Ferrari’s ability to optimize both drivers’ performance could be crucial t

o their campaign.