Lewis Hamilton has delivered a blunt and concerning assessment of his current situation with Ferrari, stating that the remainder of the 2025 Formula 1 season is likely to be “painful.” This stark admission follows a series of races where the seven-time world champion has visibly struggled to extract the same level of performance from the SF-25 as his teammate Charles Leclerc, fueling speculation about underlying issues with the car or its compatibility with Hamilton’s driving style.
Hamilton’s downbeat outlook suggests a deep-seated concern that the challenges he’s currently facing are not easily resolvable with short-term fixes or typical in-season upgrades. The phrase “for the rest of the year” carries a weight of pessimism, implying that he believes the fundamental characteristics of the Ferrari might not be conducive to his strengths, or that the performance deficit to frontrunners like Red Bull and McLaren is too significant to overcome quickly.
While Leclerc has demonstrated the potential of the SF-25 with strong performances, Hamilton’s struggles highlight a potential disparity in how the car responds to different driving styles or setup preferences. For a driver of Hamilton’s legendary caliber, accustomed to fighting at the sharp end of the grid, the prospect of a season characterized by persistent difficulties will undoubtedly be a significant mental challenge.
The comment also raises questions about Ferrari’s development trajectory for the remainder of the 2025 season. Hamilton’s words suggest a lack of confidence that the team can introduce substantial upgrades that will fundamentally alter the car’s behavior or close the gap to their rivals in a meaningful way within the current timeframe.
This pessimistic outlook from Hamilton will undoubtedly be a cause for concern within the Ferrari camp and among their passionate fanbase. While Team Principal Fred Vasseur has consistently voiced his support for Hamilton and emphasized the team’s commitment to finding solutions, the driver’s own assessment paints a less optimistic picture of the immediate future.
The reasons behind Hamilton’s struggles could be multifaceted. It might stem from the aerodynamic characteristics of the SF-25 not aligning with his preferred driving style, or perhaps the car’s behavior on track is proving unpredictable or difficult to master consistently. Whatever the underlying causes, Hamilton’s stark pronouncement indicates that he anticipates a prolonged period of grappling with these issues.
As the Formula 1 season progresses, all eyes will be on Ferrari to see how they respond to Hamilton’s sobering assessment. The team faces the challenge of not only finding ways to improve the SF-25’s overall performance but also ensuring that their star driver feels comfortable and confident behind the wheel. Hamilton’s “painful” prediction sets a somber tone for his maiden season with the iconic Italian team, leaving many to wonder if and how they can turn the tide before the year is out.