Lewis Hamilton’s dream season with Ferrari has been clouded by a series of mysterious and persistent issues with the team’s SF-25 car, leaving the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion struggling to perform at his usual elite level. The car, which was expected to be a major contender for the 2025 title, has instead become a source of frustration and disappointment for Hamilton and the Scuderia.
The problems with the SF-25 have been well documented, with the car’s braking performance taking center stage. Hamilton, known for his meticulous driving style, described the car’s braking system as “a lottery,” meaning that the car’s response to braking is highly inconsistent and unpredictable. This unpredictability has been a significant hindrance during race weekends, where consistency is key. The braking issues have cost Hamilton valuable seconds on track, and they have played a major role in his inability to challenge for podium finishes in several races this season.
What’s even more troubling for Hamilton is the car’s sensitivity to changing environmental conditions. The SF-25’s performance varies dramatically depending on the weather and track temperature, something Hamilton has found particularly challenging. He explained that “the car is just different every time you go out,” highlighting the difficulty in adapting to the car’s ever-changing behavior. This lack of predictability has made it almost impossible for Hamilton to establish a rhythm and compete at the front of the grid consistently.
Team principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed that the SF-25’s technical issues were a major factor in Hamilton’s poor results, particularly during the Spanish Grand Prix. Initially, Hamilton had blamed his own driving for the disappointing performance, but Vasseur’s acknowledgment of a serious car issue provided some relief to the driver. However, this also raises the question of how Ferrari, a team with vast resources, could fail to address such fundamental problems with the car’s design.
Adding to the mystery is Hamilton’s apparent lack of involvement in the SF-25’s development. In a candid remark, he revealed, “I had no part in developing the SF-25,” which suggests that the car was not built to his driving preferences. This disconnect between Hamilton and the car’s design has further exacerbated the challenges, as the car seems to be a poor fit for his driving style, hindering his ability to extract its full potential.
To make matters worse, Ferrari is reportedly shifting its focus away from the SF-25 and towards its 2026 project, known as Project 678. This shift in focus has led to speculation that the team has already written off the current season and is prioritizing long-term success rather than short-term results. This strategic decision raises concerns about Ferrari’s commitment to Hamilton’s campaign in 2025 and whether the team is truly focused on helping him succeed.
In summary, the mysterious troubles with the Ferrari SF-25 have been a major roadblock for Lewis Hamilton’s dream season. The combination of technical issues, inconsistent performance, and a lack of alignment between Hamilton and the car’s design has made it incredibly difficult for the British driver to perform at the level expected from him. As the season progresses, questions remain about whether Ferrari can resolve these issues in time to salvage Hamilton’s season or whether they have already set their sights on the future.
