Lewis Hamilton ‘really struggling’ as ‘nasty Ferrari’ catches Brundle’s…read more
In the 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has been a focal point. The seven-time World Champion, now behind the wheel of the SF-25, has experienced both promising performances and challenges during the testing sessions.
On the final day of testing, Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc divided driving duties. Leclerc led the morning session, setting the fastest lap, while Hamilton took over in the evening, completing 47 laps and securing the sixth-fastest time. Ferrari’s testing concluded slightly earlier than planned due to an anomaly detected in the telemetry, prompting a precautionary halt.
Racing driver and commentator Alex Brundle analyzed onboard footage of Hamilton’s laps and observed handling difficulties with the SF-25. He noted that Hamilton struggled to navigate corners, particularly when the car’s rear faced the wind, leading to significant understeer. Brundle described the car’s behavior as “really nasty,” suggesting that Ferrari’s testing setup might have contributed to these handling issues.
Despite these challenges, Hamilton expressed optimism about his integration into Ferrari. He highlighted the positive atmosphere within the team and the dedication of his colleagues. Hamilton emphasized the importance of teamwork and his goal of securing Ferrari’s first Drivers’ Championship since 2007. He acknowledged that while the SF-25 presented challenges, the team’s collective effort and focus were encouraging.
Throughout the testing period, Hamilton’s performances varied. On the second day, he posted the fastest time in the morning session, surpassing Ferrari’s qualifying time from the previous year’s Bahrain Grand Prix. This achievement demonstrated the SF-25’s potential when conditions aligned favorably. However, the inconsistent handling observed later raised questions about the car’s adaptability to different track conditions.
Ferrari’s decision to halt testing early due to telemetry anomalies indicates a cautious approach to potential technical issues. Such vigilance is crucial in pre-season testing, where identifying and addressing problems can significantly impact performance in the upcoming season. The team’s responsiveness to these anomalies reflects their commitment to reliability and competitiveness.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been one of the most talked-about changes in the 2025 season. After a long tenure with Mercedes, his transition to the Italian team signifies a new chapter in his illustrious career. The pre-season testing sessions have provided insights into how quickly he can adapt to a new car and team dynamics. His feedback and performance during these sessions are crucial for Ferrari to fine-tune the SF-25 ahead of the season opener.
The broader context of the 2025 pre-season testing reveals a competitive field. Teams like McLaren and Mercedes have shown strong performances, indicating that the battle for the championship could be intense. McLaren’s MCL39 has demonstrated competitiveness, with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri exhibiting confidence. Mercedes’ W16 has received praise from George Russell, suggesting that the team remains a formidable contender. Williams has also shown significant improvement, with impressive performances from Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, potentially positioning them as strong midfield competitors.
For Ferrari, the focus remains on extracting the maximum potential from the SF-25 and ensuring that both drivers are comfortable and confident heading into the season. Hamilton’s experience and feedback are invaluable in this process, and the team’s ability to address the handling issues observed during testing will be critical.
As the teams analyze data and make final adjustments, the anticipation for the season opener continues to build. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Hamilton and Ferrari will perform under race conditions and whether the pre-season challenges will translate into on-track success or require further development.
while Lewis Hamilton’s initial experiences with the Ferrari SF-25 during the Bahrain pre-season testing have been mixed, his positive outlook and the team’s proactive approach to addressing issues provide a foundation for potential success in the upcoming season. The true test will come when the lights go out at the first Grand Prix, where the culmination of these testing efforts will be on full display.
