Lewis Hamilton has addressed the swirling rumors regarding the Ferrari team, specifically the potential overhaul of the rear suspension on their SF-25 car. These discussions come in the wake of a disappointing start to the 2025 Formula 1 season for the iconic Italian team. As it stands, Hamilton is currently ranked seventh in the drivers’ championship standings, while his teammate Charles Leclerc holds the fifth position, only twelve points ahead of him. Initially, Ferrari was anticipated to be a strong contender against McLaren this season, but they have yet to solidify their status among the front-runners. The team’s highlights so far include Hamilton’s victory in the Sprint race in China and Leclerc’s third-place finish in Saudi Arabia.
One of the most scrutinized aspects of the SF-25 has been its rear suspension, which has been deemed unstable and detrimental to the car’s overall balance and performance. Following the Bahrain Grand Prix, Hamilton candidly remarked that the car felt like an “alien” to him, indicating his struggles with its handling. Speculation has been rife that Ferrari is gearing up to unveil a new configuration for the rear suspension as early as the upcoming race in Imola. However, Hamilton was quick to dismiss these rumors, stating, “I don’t know what they’re talking about. I’m not working on anything concerning the rear suspension. As I’ve said, between now and the Spanish Grand Prix, we are going to try to extract performance that we have not yet managed to achieve.”
The 40-year-old driver remains optimistic about making progress this weekend, expressing, “There’s still a lot of performance in this car that we haven’t unlocked. I hope that this week we can take at least a step in that direction. There is a specific issue with the car, probably the most significant, and we are trying to fix it. But there are other related problems that are also holding us back.” While Hamilton acknowledged the potential for future modifications, he refrained from making any overly optimistic predictions. “There are things in the works, but I can’t say whether we will gain four tenths, half a second, or a second by the end of the season,” he added.
Despite the challenges faced by the team, the seven-time champion remains focused on victory. “We can’t dismiss any ideas; we have to keep our heads up and continue pushing with the goal of winning. That is our aim every weekend. I might be a bit overly confident, but that’s how you have to approach every race. I don’t go into a race thinking we will finish seventh or eighth, even if that’s where we are right now. I’m going to change that mindset,” he concluded, reflecting his determination to improve his and the team’s performance.
As the season progresses, Hamilton’s insights reveal both the challenges and opportunities facing Ferrari and the competitive landscape of Formula 1. The team’s efforts to refine their vehicle and regain their competitive edge are crucial as they work to establish themselves as a formidable force on the circuit.
