Ferrari is in a quandary as both of its star drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, struggle to find their footing in the 2025 Formula One season. The Miami Grand Prix was a particularly sobering experience for the Scuderia, with Leclerc finishing seventh and Hamilton just behind him in eighth. This disappointing result comes on the heels of what many had hoped would be a resurgence for Ferrari, especially with Hamilton’s much-anticipated arrival from Mercedes.
As the team grapples with a mysterious performance issue, engineers are left scratching their heads, unable to pinpoint the cause of their struggles, particularly during qualifying. This issue has significant implications for Ferrari’s championship ambitions, as they are unable to extract the performance they need from their SF-25 car, especially when it comes to new tyres.
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has not been the seamless fit many expected. After five races, he currently sits seventh in the drivers' standings with just 41 points, a staggering 90 points behind leader Oscar Piastri. His performance in Miami was characterized by frustration, as he questioned the team’s race strategy on the radio. "I would need a brain transplant to understand it," he reportedly said, summing up the challenges he faces with the SF-25.
Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur was candid about the team’s shortcomings after the race, stating, "We lost the chance to score maximum points this weekend." He noted that both drivers had set their fastest qualifying laps on used tyres rather than new ones, indicating a significant problem in getting the most out of fresh rubber. Vasseur lamented, "We should have been fourth and fifth. But when the others changed to new tyres, we lost those positions." This inability to capitalize on new tyres is particularly damaging in the competitive world of Formula One, where every fraction of a second counts.
The SF-25’s performance issues extend beyond Hamilton, affecting Leclerc as well. Despite being more familiar with the team, Leclerc also struggled to improve on new tyres during qualifying, suggesting that the problem may be systemic rather than isolated to Hamilton’s side of the garage. Vasseur emphasized the need to improve the car’s interaction with its tyres, stating, "It’s clear that this is where we need to improve if we look at the weekend as a whole." He pointed out that the narrow operating window for the tyres complicates matters, often signaling deeper mechanical or aerodynamic imbalances.
As the team looks ahead to the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, a race that holds special significance for Ferrari, the pressure is mounting. With less than two weeks to address their technical issues, the team faces a critical juncture. Vasseur has made it clear that Ferrari cannot afford another year of missed opportunities, especially with McLaren currently leading the Constructors’ Championship and Red Bull showing flashes of brilliance.
Adding to the drama, Hamilton's relationship with Ferrari appears strained. Reports from Italian media have likened his situation to a relationship in crisis, highlighting a lack of synergy between Hamilton and his engineer, Riccardo Adami. Tense exchanges have been noted, particularly during the Miami race, where Hamilton's frustration boiled over. He sarcastically retorted on the radio, "Ah, have a tea break while you're at it! Come on!" when informed about a team order to swap positions with Leclerc.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher criticized Hamilton’s conduct, suggesting that he should have apologized for his remarks. Schumacher commented, "Hamilton, that was somehow off the mark. If you really want to get past, that’s one thing; he was faster at the time. But then give it back without a fight." He believes that a more gracious approach would have better suited Hamilton, given his experience and stature in the sport.
As the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on how Ferrari navigates these challenges. Hamilton will be returning to Italy for the first time with Ferrari, and the expectations from fans and media will be immense. The team’s ability to respond to adversity will be tested as they seek to regain their competitive edge.
Ferrari entered the 2025 season with high hopes, boasting a world-class driver lineup and a car that many believed could challenge for the title. However, unless they can quickly resolve their tyre performance issues and improve the SF-25’s overall competitiveness, they risk becoming mere spectators in the championship battle.
In the world of Formula One, where fortunes can change rapidly, the next few weeks will be crucial for Ferrari. The pressure is on, and the Scuderia must act decisively if they wish to turn their season around. With Hamilton and Leclerc at the helm, the potential for greatness remains, but it hinges on the team’s ability to solve their current problems. The spotlight will be intense at Imola, and only time will tell if Ferrari can rise to the occasion.
