Lewis Hamilton has expressed his hopes that Ferrari’s upcoming upgrade, scheduled for the Bahrain Grand Prix, will bring “a bit more downforce” to help boost the team’s competitiveness early in the 2025 Formula 1 season. After a somewhat challenging start with mixed results in pre-season testing and the opening races, the seven-time world champion believes that more grip through corners could be key to unlocking Ferrari’s full potential.
The Bahrain Grand Prix typically places significant emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency due to its mix of high-speed straights and slower technical sections. Hamilton pointed out that while Ferrari’s SF-25 car has shown promise in terms of straight-line speed and tyre management, it still lacks some critical downforce that would allow for better cornering performance. “We’re definitely in the fight, but there’s still more to extract,” Hamilton said in a media session. “Hopefully this upgrade gives us a bit more downforce where it counts.”
Ferrari has remained tight-lipped about the exact details of the upgrade, though insiders suggest it will involve modifications to the floor and rear wing assembly. These areas are typically prime targets for boosting aerodynamic load without significantly increasing drag. With Mercedes and Red Bull also expected to bring updates of their own, the arms race for aerodynamic efficiency is already in full swing just a few races into the season.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has generated a significant amount of attention, and expectations have been high since his shock transfer was announced last year. While the Briton has managed to stay within striking distance of the championship leaders, consistent podiums have remained just out of reach. “It’s always a learning process with a new car and new team,” he admitted. “But we’re progressing well, and upgrades like this one are a key step.”
As the grid prepares for the intense conditions in Bahrain, Hamilton and Ferrari fans alike will be watching closely to see whether this latest upgrade delivers the performance boost they need. With the midfield tightly packed and the top teams pushing the limits of innovation, even a small gain in downforce could be the difference between contending for victory and settling for the points.
