Lewis Hamilton Voices Frustration Over Ferrari’s Performance After Spanish GP Practice
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has expressed dissatisfaction with his Ferrari SF-25’s performance following the second practice session (FP2) at the Spanish Grand Prix. Hamilton, who joined Ferrari this season, managed only the 11th fastest time in FP2, trailing behind teammate Charles Leclerc and several competitors from McLaren and Mercedes.
In a candid assessment, Hamilton remarked, “The car doesn’t feel bad or anything, it just requires a different way of driving it.” He acknowledged the ongoing process of adapting his driving style to the Ferrari’s unique characteristics, stating, “I’m adjusting my driving style bit by bit, but enjoying driving.”
Hamilton highlighted specific challenges with the car’s handling, particularly when pushing for optimal lap times. He noted, “Just as you start to push the car, it doesn’t like it. So in practice, when you leave a little bit of margin, the car feels quite nice. But it’s when you start to really lean on it to try and get that extra bit of lap time out where we really struggle.”
Despite these issues, Hamilton remains optimistic about the team’s progress. He emphasized the importance of data analysis and setup adjustments, saying, “We got through our programme and now have lots of data to analyse tonight and then fine-tune the car for tomorrow.”
The British driver also addressed rumors of internal friction within the team, particularly concerning his relationship with race engineer Riccardo Adami. Hamilton dismissed such speculation as unfounded, asserting that their working relationship is solid and focused on achieving success together.
Looking ahead, Hamilton is determined to overcome the current challenges and extract the maximum performance from his Ferrari. He acknowledged that adapting to a new team and car requires time and patience but remains committed to the process.
As the Spanish Grand Prix weekend progresses, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari to see how they respond to these early setbacks. The team’s ability to address the car’s handling issues and improve performance will be crucial in their pursuit of competitiveness in the 2025 season.
Hamilton’s candid feedback underscores the complexities of transitioning to a new team and the challenges even seasoned champions face in adapting to different machinery. His determination and experience will be vital assets as Ferrari works to refine the SF-25 and contend with the sport’s leading teams.