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Ferrari Defends Hamilton, Shifts Spotlight to Struggling SF-25 Car
Ferrari has come out strongly in defense of Lewis Hamilton after mounting criticism over his performance since his blockbuster move from Mercedes to the Scuderia at the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season. While some analysts and fans have begun to question whether the seven-time world champion is still at his peak, Ferrari has been quick to emphasize that their recent struggles are not a reflection of Hamilton’s abilities but rather the limitations of their current car, the SF-25.
Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari was one of the most talked-about moves in recent F1 history. After years of competing at the highest level with Mercedes, where he won multiple championships, expectations were sky-high when he signed with the Italian giants. Many anticipated that Hamilton would be the missing piece in Ferrari’s quest to reclaim championship glory after years of inconsistency. However, the reality has been far from ideal. The 2025 campaign has seen Hamilton consistently finish outside the podium places, leaving fans and critics wondering whether his dominance belongs in the past.
Ferrari’s Team Principal, Frédéric Vasseur, directly addressed the concerns following another difficult weekend at the most recent Grand Prix. Both Hamilton and his teammate struggled to match the pace of the front-runners, with the SF-25 proving to be no match for rivals such as Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes. In a post-race media briefing, Vasseur made it clear that Hamilton was not the problem.
“Lewis is still one of the very best drivers in the world,” Vasseur said firmly. “His dedication, experience, and feedback are invaluable to the team. What we are experiencing now is the result of the technical limitations of our car, not a decline in his driving ability.”
The SF-25, Ferrari’s 2025 challenger, has faced repeated criticism since the season began. Engineers and technical analysts have highlighted significant aerodynamic weaknesses, particularly in high-speed corners where the car struggles with stability and grip. This makes it difficult for the drivers to carry the necessary speed through critical sections of the track, costing them precious tenths of a second. In addition, tire degradation has emerged as another major concern. The Ferrari tends to wear out its tires more quickly than rival cars, leading to a noticeable drop-off in performance during longer race stints.
These persistent issues have left both Hamilton and his teammate battling in the midfield rather than challenging for race wins. For a team with Ferrari’s pedigree and ambition, such results have been disappointing, fueling speculation about whether the gamble to sign Hamilton is paying off.
Yet, despite the noise, Ferrari remains united behind their star driver. Vasseur reiterated that Hamilton’s input has been crucial in identifying the car’s shortcomings and steering the development direction. The team is already working on upgrades aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency and addressing the tire wear problem, with hopes of turning their season around.
For Hamilton, the situation is not unfamiliar. Throughout his career, he has faced challenges with underperforming machinery but has consistently shown resilience and an ability to maximize whatever tools he has at his disposal. Ferrari, meanwhile, is determined to ensure that their car eventually matches the skill and pedigree of their prized driver.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on the Scuderia. The pressure is immense—not only to justify Hamilton’s high-profile move but also to restore Ferrari’s reputation as a championship contender. For now, the message from Maranello is clear: Hamilton is not the problem; the SF-25 is.
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