Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been anything but smooth, with the SF-25 feeling “alien” to the seasoned driver.
- Hamilton struggles with the Ferrari’s unique driving dynamics, including engine braking—a feature he hasn’t used in 12 years.
- Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton’s former teammate, offers insights, suggesting the adaptation to Ferrari’s engine isn’t as daunting as it seems.
- Despite the challenges, Hamilton clinched a victory in the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint, indicating potential for growth.
- Bottas and others see Hamilton’s shift to Ferrari as a cultural change, bringing fresh energy to his racing career.
Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari’s SF-25 has been rocky, with the car’s feel described as “alien” to him. This has been evident in his slower qualifying times compared to teammate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton is yet to outpace Leclerc in a race this season, highlighting the steep learning curve he faces.
The main hurdle for Hamilton is adjusting his driving style to suit the Ferrari. For a driver used to a different setup at Mercedes, integrating features like engine braking poses a new challenge. Hamilton revealed he’s had to learn new braking techniques and balance adjustments, which are crucial for the SF-25.
Valtteri Bottas, who spent time with Ferrari-powered teams, suggests the engine differences are minor and can be managed once the basics are understood. Bottas emphasizes that Hamilton’s challenge lies more in managing Ferrari’s specific settings rather than drastic style changes.
In spite of these obstacles, Hamilton showcased his ability to adapt by winning the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint. This victory hints at his potential to overcome the initial discomfort and perform well once he acclimates fully.
Bottas praises Hamilton’s performance at Ferrari despite the cultural changes. The transition from Mercedes’ Anglo-German environment to Ferrari’s Italian roots is significant, and Bottas feels this change has reinvigorated Hamilton’s racing spirit.
With time and persistence, Lewis Hamilton is expected to master Ferrari’s unique demands and potentially thrive in his new team environment.
