Lewis Hamilton facing a ‘not that difficult’ challenge at Ferrari as Bottas weighs in…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has proven more challenging than expected, with the seven-time World Champion describing the SF-25 as feeling “alien” during the early part of the season. Since joining Ferrari from Mercedes, Hamilton has struggled to match the pace of his new team-mate, Charles Leclerc. In both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, he qualified over half a second slower and has yet to finish ahead of Leclerc on race day.
Hamilton admitted that adapting to the Ferrari car has forced him to rethink his driving style. Speaking to the media, including PlanetF1.com, he explained that while drivers often try to stick to their traditional style, in this case, it hasn’t worked. Instead, he has been learning to adjust himself to the new tools and systems Ferrari uses. One major change Hamilton noted was the heavy reliance on engine braking to rotate the car — something he had not used regularly for the past 12 years. He also pointed out that Ferrari’s braking system feels significantly different from what he was accustomed to at Mercedes, requiring a new balance between the front and rear axles during races.
Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton’s former team-mate at Mercedes and a Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo/Sauber driver for three seasons, offered some insights on the transition. In an interview with Automoto.it, Bottas said that adapting to the Ferrari engine is “not that difficult.” He explained that while there are minor differences in drivability, the primary challenge is learning Ferrari’s system and terminology. Once those basics are mastered, he said, managing the Ferrari engine becomes relatively straightforward.
Bottas also noted that only minimal changes are needed to a driver’s natural style, mainly regarding shifting and engine braking. He emphasized that Ferrari’s systems are highly adjustable, allowing drivers to customize settings to suit their comfort.
While Hamilton’s early races with Ferrari have been difficult, Bottas’ comments suggest that the adjustment period may not be as steep as it currently seems. With more time and familiarity with the SF-25, Hamilton could soon find his footing and begin challenging for stronger
