Lewis Hamilton’s Challenges at Ferrari: A Deep Dive into the 2025 F1 Season

Lewis Hamilton’s stint at Ferrari has been marred by criticism and obstacles within the 2025 Formula 1 season. However, not everyone believes that the blame for the team’s struggles should solely rest on the shoulders of the seven-time world champion. Juan Pablo Montoya, a former driver and now a commentator, shared his insights on his podcast, MontoyAS, suggesting that the issues run deeper and are tied to how Ferrari’s engineers expect Hamilton to adapt to the car.

The Decision to Hire Hamilton

When asked whether Ferrari made the right choice in hiring Hamilton to replace Carlos Sainz Jr., especially considering the turbulent first year Hamilton has had, Montoya pointed out that Sainz himself had faced challenges when he first joined the team. “If you look at Carlos’s first year at Ferrari, it wasn’t great. When they decided to sign Hamilton, Carlos was still having problems. Only later did he begin to perform well. If the decision had been made a year later, perhaps Ferrari wouldn’t have pursued Hamilton, as Carlos would have been in better shape by then,” Montoya stated.

This perspective emphasizes the complexity of the situation, suggesting that the issues Hamilton faces are not merely personal but rather linked to the team’s dynamics and performance expectations.

The Importance of Patience

Montoya stressed that patience is key — something he feels is lacking at Ferrari. “It takes time. It’s not easy. Hamilton has been driving in a certain way for many years, and that approach has worked for him,” he explained. The challenge arises when engineers insist, “No, this car needs to be driven differently; it requires a new approach.” However, Montoya was quick to point out that the SF-25 is not exactly performing at its best either.

He highlighted that the struggles are not exclusively Hamilton’s; Charles Leclerc has also been grappling with the SF-25. Nonetheless, Leclerc has managed to secure better results, which in turn amplifies the pressure on the British driver. Montoya argued that this disparity should not be used to justify the demand for Hamilton to make drastic changes to his long-established and successful driving style.

The SF-25’s Fundamental Issues

One of the primary issues with the SF-25 relates to its ride height. The car’s suspension has become a nightmare for engineers, prompting Ferrari to raise the floor height following a double disqualification in the Chinese Grand Prix due to excessive wear on the plank. This modification has rendered the car even more unstable and has hampered much of the season’s performance.

Montoya stated, “Hamilton is struggling to deliver because the car isn’t supportive. It’s not just a style issue; the foundation of the car isn’t solid.” This observation underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the car’s design and setup, rather than placing the blame solely on Hamilton’s ability to drive.

Ferrari’s Efforts to Salvage the Season

As Ferrari attempts to salvage what remains of the 2025 season, the focus has shifted towards solutions for the upcoming year. The Maranello team is investing in improvements to the suspension system and mechanical adjustments to rectify the shortcomings of the SF-25. However, Montoya insists that the more significant issue may lie within the team’s internal dynamics: “It’s not only the driver who needs to adapt; the team must also understand how to extract the best from him. And so far, what’s lacking is patience.”

This commentary offers a different viewpoint on Hamilton’s situation at Ferrari. Instead of placing the blame solely on him, Montoya suggests that the pressure and lack of understanding from the engineers could be undermining the potential of one of the greatest champions in Formula 1 history.

The Role of Engineering and Adaptation

The relationship between a driver and their car is intricate, especially in a sport as demanding as Formula 1. Engineers design cars with specific characteristics, and drivers must adapt their techniques to maximize performance. However, this adaptation process can be complicated, particularly when a driver is accustomed to a different style of car.

In Hamilton’s case, he has built his career on a specific driving technique that has yielded tremendous success. The challenge for Ferrari is to find a way to bridge the gap between Hamilton’s established style and the demands of the SF-25. This requires not only technical adjustments to the car but also a shift in the team’s approach to driver support.

The Psychological Aspect of Racing

Montoya’s insights also touch on the psychological factors at play. The pressure of performing at a high level in a prestigious team like Ferrari can be immense. Hamilton, who is used to winning, may be feeling the weight of expectations, particularly when his teammate is delivering better results. This can lead to a cycle of stress and performance anxiety, further complicating his ability to adapt to the car.

The engineers at Ferrari must recognize the mental aspects of racing and provide an environment where Hamilton can thrive. This involves not just technical adjustments but also fostering a supportive atmosphere that allows for experimentation and growth.

Looking Ahead: Ferrari’s Future

Ferrari’s focus on improving the SF-25 for the next season is crucial. However, the team must also take a step back and evaluate their overall strategy. This includes understanding the nuances of driver adaptation and ensuring that they are not placing undue pressure on Hamilton to change his successful driving style.

As the team works on mechanical improvements, they should also invest in building a more robust support system for their drivers. This could involve enhanced communication between engineers and drivers, as well as a culture that encourages patience and understanding during the adaptation process.

Conclusion

In light of Montoya’s perspective, it becomes clear that Hamilton’s challenges at Ferrari are multifaceted. While his performance is an essential aspect of the equation, the team’s internal dynamics, engineering decisions, and the psychological pressures of competition also play significant roles. By addressing these elements, Ferrari can help Hamilton—and the team as a whole—realize their full potential in the ever-demanding world of Formula 1.

As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Ferrari to see how they navigate these challenges and whether they can turn their fortunes around, ultimately allowing Hamilton to showcase his undeniable talent on the track. The journey ahead will require collaboration, patience, and a commitment to understanding the complexities of both the car and the driver.