Fresh Lewis Hamilton concerns as Ferrari SF-25 retains ‘problematic’ Mercedes tr…read more
Fresh concerns have emerged regarding Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, as the team’s 2025 car, the SF-25, has been described as retaining a “problematic” trait similar to that of Mercedes’ car from last season. According to former F1 technical director Gary Anderson, the Ferrari SF-25 did not demonstrate the necessary “driver-friendly” qualities during the pre-season test in Bahrain.
Hamilton, who made the high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari during the winter break, is set to make his debut for the Scuderia team at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, marking the start of the new F1 season. Having spent 12 successful years with Mercedes, Hamilton is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished drivers in the history of the sport. Over the course of his career, he matched Michael Schumacher’s record of seven World Championships and surpassed 100 race wins and pole positions.
However, Hamilton’s recent form has raised questions about his ability to continue competing at the highest level. Since 2022, Hamilton has won only two races, as Mercedes struggled to adapt to the sport’s ground-effect aerodynamics regulations. Although Hamilton managed to secure victories in the 2024 seasons in Britain and Belgium, he was frequently outperformed by his teammate, George Russell, particularly in qualifying. By the end of the 2024 season, Hamilton admitted that he was “simply not fast anymore,” leading to skepticism about his move to Ferrari, especially considering his age of 40.
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has brought renewed hope that he could claim a record-breaking eighth World Championship title. However, the SF-25’s performance during the Bahrain test raised some concerns. Anderson noted that the car was not as “driver-friendly” as many had hoped, resembling some of the traits that made Mercedes’ 2024 car difficult to handle. Anderson pointed out that the Ferrari’s handling problems could hinder Hamilton’s efforts to regain the form that led him to seven World Championships.
As the 2025 season begins, many will be watching Hamilton closely, hoping that the move to Ferrari will reignite his competitive edge. Yet, despite Ferrari’s hopes of giving Hamilton a car that can contend for the title, the early signs from the SF-25 suggest that the team may still have work to do in terms of improving the car’s overall handling and performance. With Hamilton now in the latter stages of his career, it remains to be seen if Ferrari can provide him with a championship-winning car that matches his exceptional talent and ambition.
