Lewis Hamilton recorded his strongest Grand Prix end of the 2025 Method 1 season on the Bahrain Grand Prix, crossing the road in fifth place simply behind teammate Charles Leclerc. Whereas the end result marked a optimistic step ahead, it additionally underscored some persistent challenges inside the Ferrari camp—notably relating to Hamilton’s potential to extract peak efficiency from his SF-25.
Ferrari left Bahrain with their greatest factors haul of the season to date, 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 yr for Ferrari, it got here beneath the shadow of each drivers being disqualified from the primary Grand Prix as a result 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 total. He struggled throughout observe periods and fell considerably wanting 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 degree.
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 present in a position to maximise the total potential of their new signing.
Throughout her Bahrain evaluation, Naomi Schiff famous that the seven-time Method 1 world champion’s adjustment to life at Ferrari has not been clean. In keeping with her sources, the group has to date been unable to run the automobile within the Briton’s most popular configuration, which has led to mounting frustration on each 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 battle extra on Saturdays than Sundays, with qualifying efficiency lagging behind his typical requirements. Nonetheless, she noticed that Hamilton tends to come back alive throughout race circumstances, demonstrating higher long-run tempo and visibly boosting his vitality when his efficiency improves.
David Coulthard additionally raised questions on Lewis Hamilton’s type after qualifying, and the commentary of the Rwandan and Belgian racing driver and tv presenter echoed related considerations concerning the alignment between driver and machine.
One of many key points at play is Hamilton’s driving type. 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 transformation in journey top straight impacts the aerodynamic efficiency and steadiness of the automobile, making it tougher for Hamilton to drive at his finest.
Moreover, Lewis Hamilton continues to be adapting to new methods and {hardware} at Ferrari, together with unfamiliar braking methods 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 as a result 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 utterly happy along with his personal equipment, at the very least advantages from intensive expertise inside the group. His familiarity with Ferrari’s methods 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 total efficiency, however the SF-25 nonetheless lacks the tempo wanted to match McLaren over a full race distance. With the 2026 Method 1 regulation overhaul approaching, each remaining race in 2025 is crucial. Groups are already starting to divert focus towards next-generation vehicles, which means time is operating quick for Ferrari to offer Hamilton a machine able to contending for victories.
If the Maranello group can not persistently present the seven-time Method 1 world champion with the best instruments—particularly his supreme 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 competition, that must be a significant crimson flag.
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
