Lewis Hamilton recorded his strongest Grand Prix end of the 2025 System 1 season on the Bahrain Grand Prix, crossing the road in fifth place simply behind teammate Charles Leclerc. Whereas the end result marked a constructive step ahead, it additionally underscored some persistent challenges throughout the Ferrari camp—significantly concerning Hamilton’s skill to extract peak efficiency from his SF-25.
Ferrari left Bahrain with their greatest factors haul of the season thus far, as each drivers completed within the high 5. Charles Leclerc got here near securing a podium end however in the end needed to concede third place to Lando Norris, whose McLaren had the sting in race tempo. The battle for third highlighted the efficiency hole that also separates Ferrari from the present championship frontrunners.
Though Lewis Hamilton’s Dash Race victory in Shanghai stays the standout results of the yr for Ferrari, it got here underneath the shadow of each drivers being disqualified from the primary Grand Prix as a consequence of technical infringements. Regardless of this, Lewis Hamilton’s Sunday efficiency in Bahrain confirmed encouraging indicators of restoration—although not with out underlying considerations.
The Briton endured a difficult weekend general. He struggled throughout observe periods and fell considerably in need of Charles Leclerc’s tempo in qualifying. The difficulties prompted contemporary scrutiny over whether or not Ferrari are enabling the seven-time world champion to function at his highest stage.
Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has reportedly shifted his perspective on Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile change to Maranello after observing the early season dynamics. In the meantime, Sky Sports activities F1 analyst Naomi Schiff questioned whether or not Ferrari are at the moment capable of maximise the total potential of their new signing.
Throughout her Bahrain evaluation, Naomi Schiff famous that the seven-time System 1 world champion’s adjustment to life at Ferrari has not been clean. Based on her sources, the crew has thus far been unable to run the automotive within the Briton’s most well-liked configuration, which has led to mounting frustration on either side of the storage. She highlighted how Lewis Hamilton’s temper getting into the race weekend had appeared noticeably subdued, suggesting a scarcity of power or optimism round his efficiency prospects.
Naomi Schiff defined that Ferrari’s new ground improve did assist shut the efficiency hole, with each Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton exhibiting improved competitiveness towards the latter levels of the race. Nonetheless, she identified that Hamilton continues to wrestle extra on Saturdays than Sundays, with qualifying efficiency lagging behind his traditional requirements. Nonetheless, she noticed that Hamilton tends to return alive throughout race situations, demonstrating higher long-run tempo and visibly boosting his power when his efficiency improves.
David Coulthard additionally raised questions on Lewis Hamilton’s kind after qualifying, and the commentary of the Rwandan and Belgian racing driver and tv presenter echoed comparable considerations concerning the alignment between driver and machine.
One of many key points at play is Hamilton’s driving fashion. He prefers a really low experience top—sitting as near the bottom as potential—however Ferrari have been compelled to boost his automotive’s setup after the disqualification in China. This alteration in experience top instantly impacts the aerodynamic efficiency and steadiness of the automotive, making it tougher for Hamilton to drive at his finest.
Moreover, Lewis Hamilton remains to be adapting to new techniques and {hardware} at Ferrari, together with unfamiliar braking techniques that differ from what he used at Mercedes and McLaren. These transitions, although anticipated, have contributed to the teething issues that proceed to have an effect on his efficiency.
The bigger concern for Ferrari is whether or not they can engineer a automotive that matches Hamilton’s particular efficiency window. At Mercedes, the British driver usually discovered himself unable to optimise his setup as a consequence of persistent porpoising points that pressured the crew to compromise on automotive top. That in the end restricted their efficiency—and Ferrari now dangers falling into the same sample.
Charles Leclerc, though not utterly happy together with his personal equipment, at the least advantages from intensive expertise throughout the crew. His familiarity with Ferrari’s techniques permits him to adapt extra rapidly and work round setup points, one thing Hamilton remains to be studying to navigate.
Ferrari’s first main improve of the season helped enhance general efficiency, however the SF-25 nonetheless lacks the tempo wanted to match McLaren over a full race distance. With the 2026 System 1 regulation overhaul approaching, each remaining race in 2025 is vital. Groups are already starting to divert focus towards next-generation automobiles, which means time is operating brief for Ferrari to present Hamilton a machine able to contending for victories.
If the Maranello crew can’t persistently present the seven-time System 1 world champion with the best instruments—particularly his perfect setup—he might proceed to function at an obstacle, each in opposition to rivals and his personal teammate. And for a Ferrari crew aiming to return to title rivalry, that needs to be a serious crimson flag.
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