Lewis Hamilton Faces Challenges as Ferrari SF-25 Retains 'Problematic' Mercedes Traits

Lewis Hamilton Faces Challenges as Ferrari SF-25 Retains Problematic Mercedes Traits

Lewis Hamilton Faces Challenges as Ferrari SF-25 Retains 'Problematic' Mercedes Traits

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So, here we are—on the verge of a brand-new Formula 1 season, and all eyes are on Lewis Hamilton as he gears up for his highly anticipated debut with Ferrari. But there’s a bit of a twist in the story. The Ferrari SF-25, the car that Hamilton will be driving in 2025, seems to be carrying some of the same frustrating characteristics that plagued his last few years at Mercedes. Not exactly the dream start, right?

Let’s break it down. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, made the monumental decision to leave Mercedes after over a decade of dominance. But despite his legendary status, recent seasons have been tough. Since F1 introduced ground-effect rules in 2022, Mercedes has struggled to adapt, and Hamilton has only managed two wins in the last three years. Now, at 40 years old, he’s looking for a fresh start with Ferrari, a move that many hoped would reignite his bid for an elusive eighth world title.

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However, early signs from pre-season testing in Bahrain are raising some concerns. Former F1 technical director Gary Anderson observed that the SF-25 doesn’t seem to be a major upgrade from last year’s Mercedes. The car appears to lack the driver-friendly characteristics that Hamilton thrives on. Reports suggest that he struggled with the car bouncing and hitting the ground hard—issues reminiscent of his frustrating stint with the Mercedes W15. This led to minor off-track moments, a rarity for a driver of his caliber.

And it’s not just Hamilton facing difficulties. His new teammate, Charles Leclerc, also struggled with the SF-25’s unpredictability. Over the winter, Ferrari made significant changes, including a return to a pullrod front suspension—a design McLaren and Red Bull have long favored. But these adjustments have shifted the car’s balance, making it more understeer-prone, a trait that doesn’t suit Leclerc’s preferred driving style.

This puts Ferrari in a tricky spot. Based on early estimates, they appear to be trailing behind McLaren, Red Bull, and even Mercedes in the performance pecking order. This wasn’t the start Hamilton—or Ferrari fans—were hoping for.

Even Red Bull’s Helmut Marko weighed in, noting that while Leclerc looked faster in testing, Hamilton has a history of making remarkable improvements once he gets comfortable with a car. Marko even hinted at Hamilton’s ability to “supernaturally” raise his game when everything falls into place. But there’s a caveat—if Hamilton doesn’t feel confident in his machinery, his motivation could take a hit, something that could impact his performance in a tightly packed grid where even a few tenths can make a huge difference.

So, the big question remains—can Hamilton and Ferrari fine-tune the SF-25 to match his driving strengths? And will this high-profile move be the career revival Hamilton is hoping for, or will it turn into another frustrating season? With the first race in Australia just around the corner, we won’t have to wait long to find out. Buckle up, F1 fans—this season is shaping up to be one for the books!

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