Lewis Hamilton was left to rue a failed strategy gamble which led him…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s debut race for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix ended in disappointment as he finished in 10th place, earning just one point. The seven-time Formula One world champion, who made the high-profile switch to Ferrari during the off-season, had been the center of attention ahead of the new campaign. However, his first race with the iconic team was far from the dream start many had anticipated.
Throughout the race, Hamilton expressed frustration over the team’s strategy decisions and the information he was receiving over the radio. As the weather conditions changed unpredictably, with rain pouring down in the later stages, Ferrari opted to keep their drivers on dry tires. This risky call did not pay off, and Hamilton was vocal about his dissatisfaction over the team radio. He questioned the accuracy of the team’s weather forecasts, saying, “I thought you said it wasn’t going to rain much? Just missed a big opportunity there.”
This moment of frustration highlighted how Hamilton was still adjusting to his new environment at Ferrari. The team radio exchange also emphasized how much he missed the seamless communication he had with his long-time race engineer, Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington, who chose to remain with Mercedes for the 2025 season. Hamilton and Bonnington had developed a strong, successful working relationship during their years at Mercedes, and Hamilton’s frustration was evident when he mentioned the lack of reliable guidance from his new team.
Reflecting on his race after the checkered flag, Hamilton explained how the team’s communication had impacted his performance. He said, “I hung out for as long as I could and got the lead at one point, but the guidance just in terms of how much more rain was coming was missing there. So I think we missed out.” Hamilton had managed to take the lead early on but found himself at a disadvantage when the weather conditions worsened, and the information he received about the rain was unclear.
He further elaborated on the confusion, saying, “The information I got was just that it was a short shower, quick, and at the time it was only in the last corner. So for me, I was like, ‘Well, if the rest of the track is dry, then I can keep this on track if that’s coming.’ But then more came.”
Ultimately, Hamilton’s strategy gamble did not pay off, and his race for Ferrari ended with a lackluster result. Despite leading early in the race, he struggled to adapt to the changing conditions and was unable to capitalize on the opportunity. The race underlined the challenges Hamilton faces in his transition to Ferrari, with communication issues and missed strategic opportunities contributing to a frustrating result. While the season is still young, Hamilton will be hoping for better performances in the upcoming races as he continues to acclimate to his new team.
