Lewis Hamilton is concerned that the Ferrari SF-25 retains a problematic trait from Mercedes

As the 2025 Formula 1 season begins, everyone is watching Lewis Hamilton, who is making his debut at the wheel of a Ferrari. After 12 years of dominance with Mercedes and years of a glorious rivalry with Red Bull and McLaren, the seven-time world champion is taking a bold turn by joining the Scuderia.

But it would seem that the path to a record eighth title is not as easy as expected. According to Gary Anderson, the Ferrari SF-25 has similarities with the 2024 Mercedes W15, a car that Hamilton found problematic. During pre-season testing in Bahrain, he quickly noticed troubling characteristics that do not align with his driving preferences.

The former F1 technical director was skeptical during pre-season testing in Bahrain: « From the start, the SF-25 doesn’t seem to be as easy to drive as I would have hoped. Hamilton likes docile cars that allow him to make the most of his talent and reduce lap time. They didn’t seem as docile [during testing] », highlights Gary.

Pre-season testing is not reassuring

The initial tests of the Ferrari SF-25 revealed a fickle car, not only for Hamilton but also for his teammate Charles Leclerc. The car seems to suffer from noticeable defects, displaying unpredictable behavior on the track. During these tests, Hamilton struggled to tame the car, particularly because of its bouncing.

Alex Brundle, racing driver, commented on the onboard footage from Hamilton’s car: « This Ferrari seems really difficult to drive this afternoon. Going off at turn 4, entering wide at turn 11. Struggling through the mid-corner of turn 13 as well. Everywhere he has the tailwind, Hamilton is really struggling to reach the apex. » Even in his preferred sectors, Hamilton does not seem confident with the SF-25.

The difficulties faced by Ferrari are not limited to the car’s behavior. The modification of the front suspension configuration to a pull rod system, a first since 2015, has altered the balance of the SF-25. This change has created an imbalance between understeer and oversteer, a situation that Charles Leclerc, particularly sensitive to this type of behavior, did not appreciate.

« I am not sure that he has a package – yet – better suited to him than the problematic car he was driving in 2024 », explains Gary Anderson. It is clear that Loic Serra, the technical director, and his team are working tirelessly to correct these flaws before the start of the season.

Adjustments to be made before the Australian GP

As the season approaches rapidly, Ferrari’s engineers are leaving nothing to chance. Objective: to address the behavior issues of the SF-25 before the Australian Grand Prix. The challenge is considerable. Alex Brundle emphasized that the Ferrari really, really looks mean from behind the wheel, a comment that highlights Hamilton‘s difficulties in finding a good feeling with the car.

The next few weeks will be crucial. Ferrari must not only fix the suspension issues but also ensure that the SF-25 can compete with Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes from the very first races. The pressure is high, but the Scuderia has already shown in the past that it knows how to bounce back.