Monday, December 29, 2025

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari backed for breakthrough race win this season with key circuits in sight

Ferrari is predicted to claim an F1 race win before the conclusion of 2025, despite early challenges with their current car. Lewis Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes has yet to produce the strong results that Ferrari fans eagerly awaited, as both he and teammate Charles Leclerc have faced difficulties with the SF-25’s performance in comparison to rivals like McLaren and Red Bull.

Still, signs of promise have appeared this season, notably Hamilton’s sprint victory in China and his impressive qualifying stint at the British Grand Prix. These performances have fueled confident predictions that Ferrari will rise to victory at least once this year.

Yes. They will win a race before the end of the year,

Jolyon Palmer stated on the F1 Nation podcast.

Palmer pointed to tracks such as Singapore and Monza as favorable opportunities, citing Ferrari’s competitiveness in recent races like Monaco. He noted that Leclerc was on provisional pole in Monaco before being displaced by McLaren in a later run, and even when disadvantaged, showed strong lap times.

In Canada, despite Leclerc’s crash during Friday practice preventing further laps, his partial qualifying time suggested he could have challenged for the front row. Similarly, at Silverstone, Hamilton was on pace for pole position until a mistake in the final corners cost him valuable time, showcasing the team’s potential to contend for top grid spots.

Lewis Hamilton
Image of: Lewis Hamilton

The potential is definitely there. I’d be amazed if they don’t get a win this year.

Hamilton’s prospects at Hungary and other notable circuits

The upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix presents Hamilton with a chance to perform at a venue where he has historically excelled, having won eight times there, most recently in 2020. Nevertheless, it may not be the ideal track for Ferrari’s breakthrough win this season.

I still wouldn’t have thought Hungary would be the best track,

Palmer commented, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the current competitive landscape, where the smallest margins separate the leading teams.

While slower corners were originally thought to favor Ferrari, the team defied expectations at Silverstone with a near front-row lockout. Palmer added,

The form guide could throw anything up.

Hamilton secured two race victories last year, including wins at Silverstone and the Belgian Grand Prix, the latter being the next race on the 2025 calendar. Meanwhile, Leclerc took three victories last year in Monaco, Italy, and the United States.

To date this year, winners have included McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, and Mercedes’ George Russell, reflecting a highly competitive field.

Emerging challenges and the path ahead for Ferrari

Although Ferrari has yet to claim a win in 2025, the consistency of moments showcasing raw pace has sustained optimism around the team’s ability to challenge at key circuits. Drivers Hamilton and Leclerc remain central to Ferrari’s strategy of regaining prominence in the championship, with several upcoming races seen as pivotal opportunities to convert competitiveness into victories.

The season promises to be a critical test for Ferrari as they endeavor to close the gap with Red Bull and McLaren, signaling potentially transformative results before year-end. For Hamilton, securing a race win in a Ferrari will mark a significant milestone in his career, validating the switch and reinvigorating the team’s ambitions.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Lewis Hamilton vegan?

A. Race car driver Lewis Hamilton openly shares his passion for veganism. He is also an investor in businesses focused on plant-based products.

Q. Is Lewis Hamilton a vegan?

A. Lewis Hamilton believes he’s shown skeptics they’re wrong by thriving on a vegan diet. In 2017, Hamilton chose to become vegan, even though his doctors advised against it. Since making this change, he’s won four championships and says he feels more energetic. Hamilton is among many athletes who are adopting a plant-based diet and succeeding with it.