Lewis Hamilton recorded his strongest Grand Prix end of the 2025 Components 1 season on the Bahrain Grand Prix, crossing the road in fifth place simply behind teammate Charles Leclerc. Whereas the consequence marked a constructive step ahead, it additionally underscored some persistent challenges inside the Ferrari camp—significantly concerning Hamilton’s skill to extract peak efficiency from his SF-25.
Ferrari left Bahrain with their largest factors haul of the season thus far, as each drivers completed within the prime 5. Charles Leclerc got here near securing a podium end however finally 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 12 months for Ferrari, it got here underneath the shadow of each drivers being disqualified from the primary Grand Prix on account of technical infringements. Regardless of this, Lewis Hamilton’s Sunday efficiency in Bahrain confirmed encouraging indicators of restoration—although not with out underlying issues.
The Briton endured a difficult weekend general. He struggled throughout apply classes and fell considerably in need of Charles Leclerc’s tempo in qualifying. The difficulties prompted recent 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 in a position to maximise the total potential of their new signing.
Throughout her Bahrain evaluation, Naomi Schiff famous that the seven-time Components 1 world champion’s adjustment to life at Ferrari has not been clean. In accordance with her sources, the group has thus far been unable to run the automobile 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 vitality 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 vitality 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 issues in regards to the alignment between driver and machine.
One of many key points at play is Hamilton’s driving model. He prefers a really low journey top—sitting as near the bottom as doable—however Ferrari had been compelled to boost his automobile’s setup after the disqualification in China. This alteration in journey top straight impacts the aerodynamic efficiency and stability of the automobile, making it more durable for Hamilton to drive at his finest.
Moreover, Lewis Hamilton continues 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 automobile that matches Hamilton’s particular efficiency window. At Mercedes, the British driver typically discovered himself unable to optimise his setup on account of persistent porpoising points that compelled the group to compromise on automobile top. That finally restricted their efficiency—and Ferrari now dangers falling into the same sample.
Charles Leclerc, though not fully happy along with his personal equipment, no less than advantages from intensive expertise inside the group. His familiarity with Ferrari’s techniques permits him to adapt extra shortly and work round setup points, one thing Hamilton continues 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 Components 1 regulation overhaul approaching, each remaining race in 2025 is crucial. Groups are already starting to divert focus towards next-generation vehicles, that means time is operating brief for Ferrari to provide Hamilton a machine able to contending for victories.
If the Maranello group can not constantly present the seven-time Components 1 world champion with the appropriate instruments—particularly his best setup—he might proceed to function at a drawback, each in opposition to rivals and his personal teammate. And for a Ferrari group aiming to return to title rivalry, that must be a significant pink flag.
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers find out about us
