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19 May 2025, Mon

Hamilton draws Mercedes parallels, seeks SF-25 progress with Ferrari

Hamilton


Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, arrived in Miami with a clear goal: to advance his adaptation to Ferrari, the team he joined at the start of the 2025 season. After leaving Mercedes following a 12-year partnership, the British driver has faced a challenging start with the SF-25 car. Despite a victory in the China GP sprint race, his results across the first five races have fallen short of expectations, consistently overshadowed by teammate Charles Leclerc. The Miami GP, the sixth round of the championship, offers a critical opportunity for Hamilton to find his footing, even with no upgrades planned for the SF-25. The Miami International Autodrome, where Hamilton has never finished higher than sixth, will test his progress with the Italian team.

The 2025 season kicked off with high hopes for Ferrari, fueled by Hamilton’s arrival as one of the sport’s biggest names. However, the SF-25 has struggled with instability, particularly at the rear, complicating Hamilton’s driving style. While Leclerc secured a podium in Saudi Arabia, Hamilton has yet to find the ideal balance, a situation he compares to his early days at Mercedes in 2013.

The Miami GP, scheduled for May 2-4, marks the second sprint weekend of the season, limiting teams to a single practice session before the sprint race qualifying. This format demands precision in car setup from the outset, posing an additional challenge for Hamilton, who emphasized the need to replicate Leclerc’s performance to unlock the SF-25’s full potential.

  • Adaptation hurdles: Hamilton struggles to align his driving style with the SF-25, which suits Leclerc’s aggressive approach.
  • Miami track record: The heptachampion has never placed above sixth in previous Miami GPs, adding pressure for a strong result.
  • Sprint format: The Saturday sprint race could favor Hamilton, who won the China sprint with minimal car adjustments.

Rocky start at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was a defining moment in the 2025 driver market. After securing six world titles with Mercedes, the Briton sought a fresh challenge with Formula 1’s most iconic team. Yet, the initial months in Maranello have proven tougher than anticipated. The SF-25, designed to compete in the final season before the 2026 regulation overhaul, suffers from rear instability, particularly in low-speed corners and light fuel conditions. This issue has been especially problematic for Hamilton, who prefers a stable rear end for his driving style.

In Saudi Arabia, the performance gap between Ferrari’s drivers was stark. Leclerc, in his seventh season with the team, extracted the SF-25’s potential to finish third. Hamilton, however, trailed by over 30 seconds, settling for seventh. He described the race as “tough” and admitted to struggling with the car’s behavior. This disparity underscores not only Leclerc’s familiarity with the team but also Hamilton’s ongoing challenge to adapt his driving to the SF-25’s characteristics.

Despite the setbacks, Hamilton remains optimistic, drawing on his vast experience. He recalled that his 2013 transition to Mercedes also required a six-month adjustment period. Back then, the team was not yet the dominant force it would become, and Hamilton worked closely with engineers to tailor the car to his needs. At Ferrari, he is following a similar path, focusing on finding a setup that enhances his confidence and competitiveness.

Lessons from Mercedes: a blueprint for success

When Hamilton left McLaren for Mercedes in 2013, many doubted his choice. Mercedes was coming off inconsistent seasons, while McLaren remained a powerhouse. Yet, Hamilton saw potential in the German team, and after an initial adaptation phase, his gamble paid off. In 2014, with the introduction of hybrid engines, Mercedes dominated, and Hamilton claimed five consecutive titles from 2014 to 2020.

At Ferrari, the context differs, but the parallels are clear. The Italian team is under pressure to return to its glory days, having last won the constructors’ championship in 2008. The SF-25, featuring a pull-rod front suspension inspired by Red Bull and McLaren, was meant to be a step forward. However, its unpredictable handling, especially in race conditions requiring fine-tuned adjustments, has hindered progress.

Hamilton noted that adaptation is a two-way street, involving not just the driver but also the engineers, who must adjust to his feedback and preferences. At Mercedes, he built a strong rapport with his technical team, a process that took time. At Ferrari, he is investing heavily in simulator work and engineering meetings to address the SF-25’s shortcomings and align the car with his driving style.

  • Team transition: Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks his first time racing with a non-Mercedes engine in Formula 1.
  • Engineering collaboration: Close work with Ferrari’s engineers is crucial to tailoring the SF-25 to Hamilton’s needs.
  • Past experience: His 2013 Mercedes adaptation serves as a roadmap for overcoming current challenges at Ferrari.

Miami GP: a pivotal moment

The Miami GP at the 5.412-km Miami International Autodrome is known for its unique layout, blending long straights with technical sectors. For Ferrari, which has struggled with the SF-25’s consistency, the weekend is a significant test. Team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed no upgrades are planned, with the focus on optimizing the car’s setup for the track’s demands.

Hamilton believes the SF-25 can compete at the front, as shown by Leclerc’s Saudi Arabia podium. However, finding the right setup is challenging, particularly in the sprint format, which limits preparation time. In China, maintaining a stable car setup led to Hamilton’s sprint victory, and he hopes to replicate this approach in Miami, avoiding excessive tweaks that could disrupt performance.

The Miami track also holds symbolic importance for Ferrari, marking the first anniversary of its partnership with HP, the team’s title sponsor. To celebrate, Ferrari unveiled a special livery with blue accents, retaining its iconic red base. Hamilton and Leclerc joined the livery reveal, which featured fan messages selected via artificial intelligence, highlighting Ferrari’s efforts to engage its global audience.

Ferrari’s 2025 season: highs and lows

Ferrari’s 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster. The team aimed to challenge for the title but sits fifth in the constructors’ championship after five races, trailing McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes, and Williams. The SF-25 has shown flashes of brilliance, such as Hamilton’s China sprint win and Leclerc’s Saudi Arabia podium, but inconsistency remains a hurdle.

In Australia, Ferrari struggled in a rain-affected race, with Leclerc and Hamilton finishing eighth and tenth, respectively. The China GP was even more challenging, with both drivers disqualified due to technical infringements: Leclerc’s car was underweight, and Hamilton’s had excessive wear on the wooden plank. These setbacks cost valuable points and exposed gaps in the team’s preparation.

Despite the challenges, Ferrari remains confident in the SF-25’s potential. Upgrades introduced in Bahrain, including a revised floor for better aerodynamic efficiency, showed promise but failed to address the car’s instability. Vasseur stated that the team is focused on understanding the car’s behavior, with major upgrades planned for the Imola GP following Miami.

  • Championship standing: Ferrari holds fifth place in the constructors’ championship with 17 points after five races.
  • Technical issues: The China disqualifications underscored the need for greater attention to detail in car preparation.
  • Future upgrades: Significant updates are scheduled for Imola to boost the SF-25’s competitiveness.

Hamilton’s adaptation: a work in progress

Adapting to a new team in Formula 1 is no small feat, especially for a driver with Hamilton’s pedigree. At 40, he brings a wealth of experience, with 105 wins and seven world titles, but faces the challenge of mastering a car designed around Leclerc’s preferences. The SF-25’s unstable rear demands an aggressive driving style, which Leclerc excels at, while Hamilton is still fine-tuning his approach.

Hamilton has been heavily involved in Ferrari’s simulator in Maranello, working to understand the SF-25’s behavior. He also engages in detailed discussions with engineers to implement setup changes that improve stability and confidence. This process is critical for Hamilton to unlock the car’s potential, particularly on demanding tracks like Miami.

Beyond the technical challenges, Hamilton is integrating into Ferrari’s unique culture, a team steeped in history but under intense scrutiny from fans and media. His relationship with Vasseur, forged during their GP2 days, has eased the transition, as has the presence of Jerome d’Ambrosio, a former Mercedes colleague now serving as Ferrari’s deputy director.

Miami GP outlook

The Miami GP offers Hamilton a chance to demonstrate progress with Ferrari. While no upgrades are planned, the focus is on optimizing the SF-25’s setup for a track that demands balance between high-speed and technical sections. Hamilton’s prior experience in Miami, despite modest results, could prove advantageous.

The sprint format, with a Saturday race, provides an opportunity to score extra points and test setups without risking the main race preparation. Hamilton noted that the China sprint success came from minimal changes, a strategy he hopes to repeat. For Leclerc, the goal is to maintain his strong form and potentially secure another podium.

Ferrari is also leveraging the Miami GP to boost its global brand. The special livery, with blue accents, celebrates the HP partnership and underscores the team’s marketing efforts in the U.S. The “Messages of Forza” initiative, featuring fan messages on the car, reflects Ferrari’s commitment to connecting with its audience in a key market.

2025 season calendar: upcoming races

The 2025 Formula 1 season features 24 races, and the Miami GP kicks off a busy stretch with six races in eight weeks. After Miami, the series heads to Europe for the Imola GP, where Ferrari plans significant upgrades. The calendar includes three U.S. races—Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas—alongside classics like Monaco, Silverstone, and Spa-Francorchamps.

Pressure and expectations at Ferrari

Ferrari carries a unique weight in Formula 1, with 76 seasons and 1103 races in its storied history. The team is synonymous with tradition but also faces relentless pressure to succeed. Its last constructors’ title came in 2008, and the drivers’ championship in 2007 with Kimi Räikkönen. Hamilton’s arrival was seen as a catalyst to end this drought, but early results suggest a longer journey ahead.

Hamilton faces scrutiny to prove he remains a top contender at 40. His decision to leave Mercedes, where he won six titles, was driven by the allure of Ferrari and a childhood dream. Yet, the SF-25’s technical challenges and adaptation process have tested his resilience.

Italian media, known for its high expectations, has begun questioning Hamilton’s performance, particularly in comparison to Leclerc. However, Hamilton remains unfazed, relying on his experience to navigate the challenges. He understands that Formula 1 rewards patience, and success will come through collaboration with the team.

Commercial impact of Hamilton’s move

Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari has reverberated beyond the track. The Ferrari brand has gained unprecedented visibility with the heptachampion, one of the world’s most recognizable athletes. Puma, a Ferrari partner, reported an eightfold increase in licensed product sales since Hamilton’s signing was announced in February 2024.

In the U.S., where Formula 1’s popularity is surging, Hamilton’s presence is a major asset for Ferrari. The Miami GP, with its vibrant atmosphere, is an ideal platform to strengthen the team’s image. The special livery and HP partnership initiatives highlight Ferrari’s efforts to capitalize on Hamilton’s star power to engage fans and sponsors.

Social media engagement has also soared, with posts about Hamilton’s adaptation generating significant buzz. This commercial impact underscores his value to Ferrari, even as he works to improve his on-track results.

Ferrari’s future: looking ahead

Ferrari faces a pivotal year in 2025, with the 2026 regulation changes looming. The team must balance SF-25 development with preparations for the next car. Vasseur indicated that resources will shift to 2026 mid-season if Ferrari falls out of title contention.

For Hamilton, the focus is on maximizing 2025 results while laying the groundwork for a competitive 2026 car. His experience will be invaluable in navigating the upcoming engine and aerodynamic changes. In the meantime, he aims to find consistency to quiet critics and prove he can chase an eighth title.

The Miami GP is just one chapter in Hamilton’s Ferrari journey, but a strong performance could be a turning point. A solid result, even short of a win, could boost his confidence and solidify his place within the team. For fans, it’s a chance to witness a legend tackling a new challenge with grit and skill.



Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, arrived in Miami with a clear goal: to advance his adaptation to Ferrari, the team he joined at the start of the 2025 season. After leaving Mercedes following a 12-year partnership, the British driver has faced a challenging start with the SF-25 car. Despite a victory in the China GP sprint race, his results across the first five races have fallen short of expectations, consistently overshadowed by teammate Charles Leclerc. The Miami GP, the sixth round of the championship, offers a critical opportunity for Hamilton to find his footing, even with no upgrades planned for the SF-25. The Miami International Autodrome, where Hamilton has never finished higher than sixth, will test his progress with the Italian team.

The 2025 season kicked off with high hopes for Ferrari, fueled by Hamilton’s arrival as one of the sport’s biggest names. However, the SF-25 has struggled with instability, particularly at the rear, complicating Hamilton’s driving style. While Leclerc secured a podium in Saudi Arabia, Hamilton has yet to find the ideal balance, a situation he compares to his early days at Mercedes in 2013.

The Miami GP, scheduled for May 2-4, marks the second sprint weekend of the season, limiting teams to a single practice session before the sprint race qualifying. This format demands precision in car setup from the outset, posing an additional challenge for Hamilton, who emphasized the need to replicate Leclerc’s performance to unlock the SF-25’s full potential.

  • Adaptation hurdles: Hamilton struggles to align his driving style with the SF-25, which suits Leclerc’s aggressive approach.
  • Miami track record: The heptachampion has never placed above sixth in previous Miami GPs, adding pressure for a strong result.
  • Sprint format: The Saturday sprint race could favor Hamilton, who won the China sprint with minimal car adjustments.

Rocky start at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was a defining moment in the 2025 driver market. After securing six world titles with Mercedes, the Briton sought a fresh challenge with Formula 1’s most iconic team. Yet, the initial months in Maranello have proven tougher than anticipated. The SF-25, designed to compete in the final season before the 2026 regulation overhaul, suffers from rear instability, particularly in low-speed corners and light fuel conditions. This issue has been especially problematic for Hamilton, who prefers a stable rear end for his driving style.

In Saudi Arabia, the performance gap between Ferrari’s drivers was stark. Leclerc, in his seventh season with the team, extracted the SF-25’s potential to finish third. Hamilton, however, trailed by over 30 seconds, settling for seventh. He described the race as “tough” and admitted to struggling with the car’s behavior. This disparity underscores not only Leclerc’s familiarity with the team but also Hamilton’s ongoing challenge to adapt his driving to the SF-25’s characteristics.

Despite the setbacks, Hamilton remains optimistic, drawing on his vast experience. He recalled that his 2013 transition to Mercedes also required a six-month adjustment period. Back then, the team was not yet the dominant force it would become, and Hamilton worked closely with engineers to tailor the car to his needs. At Ferrari, he is following a similar path, focusing on finding a setup that enhances his confidence and competitiveness.

Lessons from Mercedes: a blueprint for success

When Hamilton left McLaren for Mercedes in 2013, many doubted his choice. Mercedes was coming off inconsistent seasons, while McLaren remained a powerhouse. Yet, Hamilton saw potential in the German team, and after an initial adaptation phase, his gamble paid off. In 2014, with the introduction of hybrid engines, Mercedes dominated, and Hamilton claimed five consecutive titles from 2014 to 2020.

At Ferrari, the context differs, but the parallels are clear. The Italian team is under pressure to return to its glory days, having last won the constructors’ championship in 2008. The SF-25, featuring a pull-rod front suspension inspired by Red Bull and McLaren, was meant to be a step forward. However, its unpredictable handling, especially in race conditions requiring fine-tuned adjustments, has hindered progress.

Hamilton noted that adaptation is a two-way street, involving not just the driver but also the engineers, who must adjust to his feedback and preferences. At Mercedes, he built a strong rapport with his technical team, a process that took time. At Ferrari, he is investing heavily in simulator work and engineering meetings to address the SF-25’s shortcomings and align the car with his driving style.

  • Team transition: Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks his first time racing with a non-Mercedes engine in Formula 1.
  • Engineering collaboration: Close work with Ferrari’s engineers is crucial to tailoring the SF-25 to Hamilton’s needs.
  • Past experience: His 2013 Mercedes adaptation serves as a roadmap for overcoming current challenges at Ferrari.

Miami GP: a pivotal moment

The Miami GP at the 5.412-km Miami International Autodrome is known for its unique layout, blending long straights with technical sectors. For Ferrari, which has struggled with the SF-25’s consistency, the weekend is a significant test. Team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed no upgrades are planned, with the focus on optimizing the car’s setup for the track’s demands.

Hamilton believes the SF-25 can compete at the front, as shown by Leclerc’s Saudi Arabia podium. However, finding the right setup is challenging, particularly in the sprint format, which limits preparation time. In China, maintaining a stable car setup led to Hamilton’s sprint victory, and he hopes to replicate this approach in Miami, avoiding excessive tweaks that could disrupt performance.

The Miami track also holds symbolic importance for Ferrari, marking the first anniversary of its partnership with HP, the team’s title sponsor. To celebrate, Ferrari unveiled a special livery with blue accents, retaining its iconic red base. Hamilton and Leclerc joined the livery reveal, which featured fan messages selected via artificial intelligence, highlighting Ferrari’s efforts to engage its global audience.

Ferrari’s 2025 season: highs and lows

Ferrari’s 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster. The team aimed to challenge for the title but sits fifth in the constructors’ championship after five races, trailing McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes, and Williams. The SF-25 has shown flashes of brilliance, such as Hamilton’s China sprint win and Leclerc’s Saudi Arabia podium, but inconsistency remains a hurdle.

In Australia, Ferrari struggled in a rain-affected race, with Leclerc and Hamilton finishing eighth and tenth, respectively. The China GP was even more challenging, with both drivers disqualified due to technical infringements: Leclerc’s car was underweight, and Hamilton’s had excessive wear on the wooden plank. These setbacks cost valuable points and exposed gaps in the team’s preparation.

Despite the challenges, Ferrari remains confident in the SF-25’s potential. Upgrades introduced in Bahrain, including a revised floor for better aerodynamic efficiency, showed promise but failed to address the car’s instability. Vasseur stated that the team is focused on understanding the car’s behavior, with major upgrades planned for the Imola GP following Miami.

  • Championship standing: Ferrari holds fifth place in the constructors’ championship with 17 points after five races.
  • Technical issues: The China disqualifications underscored the need for greater attention to detail in car preparation.
  • Future upgrades: Significant updates are scheduled for Imola to boost the SF-25’s competitiveness.

Hamilton’s adaptation: a work in progress

Adapting to a new team in Formula 1 is no small feat, especially for a driver with Hamilton’s pedigree. At 40, he brings a wealth of experience, with 105 wins and seven world titles, but faces the challenge of mastering a car designed around Leclerc’s preferences. The SF-25’s unstable rear demands an aggressive driving style, which Leclerc excels at, while Hamilton is still fine-tuning his approach.

Hamilton has been heavily involved in Ferrari’s simulator in Maranello, working to understand the SF-25’s behavior. He also engages in detailed discussions with engineers to implement setup changes that improve stability and confidence. This process is critical for Hamilton to unlock the car’s potential, particularly on demanding tracks like Miami.

Beyond the technical challenges, Hamilton is integrating into Ferrari’s unique culture, a team steeped in history but under intense scrutiny from fans and media. His relationship with Vasseur, forged during their GP2 days, has eased the transition, as has the presence of Jerome d’Ambrosio, a former Mercedes colleague now serving as Ferrari’s deputy director.

Miami GP outlook

The Miami GP offers Hamilton a chance to demonstrate progress with Ferrari. While no upgrades are planned, the focus is on optimizing the SF-25’s setup for a track that demands balance between high-speed and technical sections. Hamilton’s prior experience in Miami, despite modest results, could prove advantageous.

The sprint format, with a Saturday race, provides an opportunity to score extra points and test setups without risking the main race preparation. Hamilton noted that the China sprint success came from minimal changes, a strategy he hopes to repeat. For Leclerc, the goal is to maintain his strong form and potentially secure another podium.

Ferrari is also leveraging the Miami GP to boost its global brand. The special livery, with blue accents, celebrates the HP partnership and underscores the team’s marketing efforts in the U.S. The “Messages of Forza” initiative, featuring fan messages on the car, reflects Ferrari’s commitment to connecting with its audience in a key market.

2025 season calendar: upcoming races

The 2025 Formula 1 season features 24 races, and the Miami GP kicks off a busy stretch with six races in eight weeks. After Miami, the series heads to Europe for the Imola GP, where Ferrari plans significant upgrades. The calendar includes three U.S. races—Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas—alongside classics like Monaco, Silverstone, and Spa-Francorchamps.

Pressure and expectations at Ferrari

Ferrari carries a unique weight in Formula 1, with 76 seasons and 1103 races in its storied history. The team is synonymous with tradition but also faces relentless pressure to succeed. Its last constructors’ title came in 2008, and the drivers’ championship in 2007 with Kimi Räikkönen. Hamilton’s arrival was seen as a catalyst to end this drought, but early results suggest a longer journey ahead.

Hamilton faces scrutiny to prove he remains a top contender at 40. His decision to leave Mercedes, where he won six titles, was driven by the allure of Ferrari and a childhood dream. Yet, the SF-25’s technical challenges and adaptation process have tested his resilience.

Italian media, known for its high expectations, has begun questioning Hamilton’s performance, particularly in comparison to Leclerc. However, Hamilton remains unfazed, relying on his experience to navigate the challenges. He understands that Formula 1 rewards patience, and success will come through collaboration with the team.

Commercial impact of Hamilton’s move

Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari has reverberated beyond the track. The Ferrari brand has gained unprecedented visibility with the heptachampion, one of the world’s most recognizable athletes. Puma, a Ferrari partner, reported an eightfold increase in licensed product sales since Hamilton’s signing was announced in February 2024.

In the U.S., where Formula 1’s popularity is surging, Hamilton’s presence is a major asset for Ferrari. The Miami GP, with its vibrant atmosphere, is an ideal platform to strengthen the team’s image. The special livery and HP partnership initiatives highlight Ferrari’s efforts to capitalize on Hamilton’s star power to engage fans and sponsors.

Social media engagement has also soared, with posts about Hamilton’s adaptation generating significant buzz. This commercial impact underscores his value to Ferrari, even as he works to improve his on-track results.

Ferrari’s future: looking ahead

Ferrari faces a pivotal year in 2025, with the 2026 regulation changes looming. The team must balance SF-25 development with preparations for the next car. Vasseur indicated that resources will shift to 2026 mid-season if Ferrari falls out of title contention.

For Hamilton, the focus is on maximizing 2025 results while laying the groundwork for a competitive 2026 car. His experience will be invaluable in navigating the upcoming engine and aerodynamic changes. In the meantime, he aims to find consistency to quiet critics and prove he can chase an eighth title.

The Miami GP is just one chapter in Hamilton’s Ferrari journey, but a strong performance could be a turning point. A solid result, even short of a win, could boost his confidence and solidify his place within the team. For fans, it’s a chance to witness a legend tackling a new challenge with grit and skill.



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