Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari hasn’t been smooth, revealing a potential driving style conflict.
- Hamilton’s unique braking technique contrasts sharply with teammate Charles Leclerc’s method.
- Despite switching teams, Hamilton struggles with consistent performance, specifically in cornering and qualifying.
- Analyst Alex Brundle notes that Hamilton’s driving style might not mesh well with Ferrari’s SF-25 car.
- The high-speed nature of modern F1 adds pressure on Hamilton, as adaptation becomes critical.
Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari was a major event in the Formula 1 world, yet his adaptation to the new team has been challenging. A trait in his driving style, highlighted by F1 analyst Alex Brundle, stands out as a potential hindrance. Hamilton tends to apply more brake pressure in high-speed corners than his teammate Charles Leclerc, which is not ideal for the Ferrari SF-25’s setup.
This braking habit is a stark contrast to Leclerc, who is known for his precise use of brakes. Brundle pointed out that this trait was also present during Hamilton’s time with Mercedes. The question that arises is whether Hamilton can adjust his technique to suit the new car. This adjustment could prove vital if he hopes to match or exceed Leclerc’s performance.
Hamilton’s transition is made more difficult by the high-speed conditions of modern F1 cars. The quick reflexes required leave little room for adaptation on the fly, which is not Hamilton’s strength with the Ferrari at this time. This issue compounds as he continues to trail behind Leclerc in the season’s standings. His struggles are most evident in qualifying sessions, a weakness that has persisted since his previous season with Mercedes.
Hamilton openly admits the difficulty of overcoming these challenges, expressing uncertainty about when improvements might take place. He acknowledges that the car demands a driving approach different from what he is used to and considers this a “painful” experience. The strain shows in his inability to secure a position ahead of Leclerc in the first five Grand Prix events of the year.
The expectation that Hamilton would quickly adjust to the new car and begin accumulating wins has not been met. Notably, the only highlight so far is his victory at the Chinese Grand Prix sprint event. His current situation underscores the importance of being adaptable in the fast-evolving world of Formula 1.
Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari remains uncertain as his unique driving style continues to challenge his performance.
