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 throughout the Ferrari camp—notably relating to Hamilton’s capacity to extract peak efficiency from his SF-25.
Ferrari left Bahrain with their greatest factors haul of the season up to now, 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 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 total. He struggled throughout observe periods and fell considerably wanting 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 degree.
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 at the moment in a position to maximise the complete 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 easy. In response to her sources, the workforce has up to now been unable to run the automobile 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 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 common requirements. However, 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 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 experience peak—sitting as near the bottom as attainable—however Ferrari have been compelled to boost his automobile’s setup after the disqualification in China. This alteration in experience peak straight impacts the aerodynamic efficiency and steadiness of the automobile, making it more durable for Hamilton to drive at his finest.
Moreover, Lewis Hamilton remains to be adapting to new programs and {hardware} at Ferrari, together with unfamiliar braking programs 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 usually discovered himself unable to optimise his setup on account of persistent porpoising points that pressured the workforce to compromise on automobile peak. That in the end restricted their efficiency—and Ferrari now dangers falling into an identical sample.
Charles Leclerc, though not utterly glad along with his personal equipment, no less than advantages from in depth expertise throughout the workforce. His familiarity with Ferrari’s programs 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 Components 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 working brief for Ferrari to offer Hamilton a machine able to contending for victories.
If the Maranello workforce can not constantly present the seven-time Components 1 world champion with the correct instruments—particularly his excellent setup—he might proceed to function at an obstacle, each towards rivals and his personal teammate. And for a Ferrari workforce aiming to return to title competition, that ought to be a serious pink flag.
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