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 outcome marked a constructive step ahead, it additionally underscored some persistent challenges throughout the Ferrari camp—notably concerning Hamilton’s means 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 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 12 months for Ferrari, it got here beneath the shadow of each drivers being disqualified from the principle 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 issues.
The Briton endured a difficult weekend total. 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 swap to Maranello after observing the early season dynamics. In the meantime, Sky Sports activities F1 analyst Naomi Schiff questioned whether or not Ferrari are presently capable of 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 easy. In keeping with 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 each side of the storage. She highlighted how Lewis Hamilton’s temper coming 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 flooring improve did assist shut the efficiency hole, with each Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton displaying improved competitiveness towards the latter phases of the race. Nonetheless, she identified that Hamilton continues to battle extra on Saturdays than Sundays, with qualifying efficiency lagging behind his ordinary requirements. However, she noticed that Hamilton tends to return alive throughout race circumstances, 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 issues concerning the alignment between driver and machine.
One of many key points at play is Hamilton’s driving fashion. He prefers a really low journey top—sitting as near the bottom as potential—however Ferrari have been compelled to lift his automotive’s setup after the disqualification in China. This transformation in journey top instantly impacts the aerodynamic efficiency and stability of the automotive, making it tougher for Hamilton to drive at his greatest.
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, no less than advantages from in depth expertise throughout the crew. His familiarity with Ferrari’s techniques permits him to adapt extra shortly and work round setup points, one thing Hamilton remains 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 vital. Groups are already starting to divert focus towards next-generation vehicles, that means time is operating quick for Ferrari to provide Hamilton a machine able to contending for victories.
If the Maranello crew can not constantly present the seven-time Method 1 world champion with the best instruments—particularly his superb setup—he might proceed to function at an obstacle, each towards rivals and his personal teammate. And for a Ferrari crew aiming to return to title competition, that needs to be a significant crimson flag.
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