Lewis Hamilton, the seasoned racing driver, is in unfamiliar territory at Ferrari and is embracing the challenge head-on. After a long tenure with Mercedes, Hamilton swapped silver for red, and the transition has been anything but smooth.
Hamilton has been vocal about the need for upgrades to the SF-25 as the season progresses. He finds himself in a constant tug-of-war with Ferrari’s engineers, urging them to try new setup strategies to enhance performance. Although progress has been incremental, Hamilton remains insistent on the need for significant changes to compete effectively against leading teams like McLaren and Mercedes.
The British driver qualified fifth for the Canadian Grand Prix, marking just the third occasion he’s outpaced his teammate Charles Leclerc this season. Despite Leclerc’s better track record with more podium finishes and a higher standing in the Drivers’ Championship, Ferrari hasn’t been able to showcase the pace that characterized their 2024 campaign. They now find themselves battling against formidable opponents, including the McLaren duo and Max Verstappen, for a place on the podium.
Hamilton expressed that, while small improvements in qualifying have been made since Monaco, the lack of upgrades is a pressing concern. He has been pushing the engineers, questioning their traditional methods and proposing alternatives in an effort to make headway. His persistence has led to some progress, but he emphasizes that more substantial upgrades are essential to closing the gap with the front-runners.
Reflecting on his experiences in the first half of the year with his new team, Hamilton noted the stark differences in operations compared to his previous engagements. This season represents the last for this generation of cars, which presents unique challenges in finding performance. Hamilton’s primary goal is not just to vie for second place in the Constructors’ Championship this year but to prepare a winning car for the following season.
With Leclerc recently securing a podium position in Spain, Ferrari has climbed to second in the Constructors’ Championship. However, Hamilton continues to focus on the future, expressing a clear desire for a car capable of winning races in the next season. His commitment to pushing for advancements remains unwavering.
Navigating the intricacies of a new team and car, Lewis Hamilton is determined to drive Ferrari toward future success. His relentless effort to challenge the status quo at Ferrari speaks volumes of his commitment to the sport and his competitive spirit. As he continues to advocate for necessary upgrades, Hamilton’s eyes are firmly set on not just competing but winning in the coming seasons.
