đź“· Autosport
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, is racing for Ferrari in the 2025 season after leaving Mercedes. As the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend kicks off on April 17, 2025, Hamilton shared his thoughts on adapting to his new team and car.
A Tough Start at Ferrari
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was one of the biggest stories in Formula 1. After 12 years with Mercedes, where he won six championships, he joined Ferrari to chase an eighth title. But the 2025 season hasn’t been smooth so far. Ferrari’s car, the SF-25, has struggled to keep up with teams like McLaren, and Hamilton has faced challenges getting comfortable with it.
In Bahrain, the most recent race, Hamilton qualified in ninth place, a disappointing result for a driver used to fighting for pole. He’s also had a tough time in earlier races, finishing 10th in Australia and facing a disqualification in China due to a technical issue with his car. These struggles have made it clear that adapting to Ferrari is harder than expected.
đź“· Motorsport
Hamilton’s Comments Today
On April 17, 2025, during media sessions before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Hamilton spoke openly about his challenges with Ferrari. He said, “It will be difficult for me to adjust my driving style the way I need to in order to get the best out of Ferrari’s car this year.” This means the Ferrari SF-25 behaves differently from the Mercedes he’s used to, and he’s still figuring out how to drive it effectively.
He explained that the car requires a “different driving style and settings” compared to what he’s known for over a decade. For example, the Ferrari’s steering, power unit, and setup are new to him, and even small changes feel “alien.” He admitted, “I’m still learning this car,” and said it’s a “steep learning curve” to understand Ferrari’s tools and systems.
Despite the challenges, Hamilton stayed positive. He said, “I experience a Ferrari full of passion and enthusiasm. I don’t have the slightest doubt that we will achieve our common goals. But that takes time.” He believes in Ferrari’s potential and is focused on building a strong foundation with the team.
Hamilton’s Optimism
Even with these challenges, Hamilton is keeping a positive mindset. He praised Ferrari’s passion and said, “I’m confident that with my experience, it will all come together.” He’s learning from each race, figuring out how to work better with his teammate Charles Leclerc and the engineers. He also mentioned that the team is analyzing data from recent races to make improvements for Saudi Arabia.
Hamilton’s goal isn’t just to win races this year but to help Ferrari prepare for 2026, when new rules could make them stronger. He’s taking it “step by step” and believes the team’s hard work will pay off.