Lewis Hamilton‘s season with Ferrari has kicked off with unexpected challenges, raising eyebrows following a tough race at the 2025 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion ended the race in seventh place, trailing over 30 seconds behind his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, who secured third. Hamilton voiced uncertainty about the season’s trajectory, acknowledging his struggle adapting to the SF-25 car.
Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, did not shy away from defending Hamilton against criticisms of his difficult start. Emphasizing Hamilton’s track record, Vasseur insisted on providing him with strategic support and top-tier resources to unlock his full potential. Referencing Hamilton’s prowess in China and Bahrain, Vasseur confidently countered accusations of performance regression.
“It’s not dramatic. We did five races so far… At the end of the day, we are in competition. You have ups and downs,” Vasseur stated, underscoring the nature of competitive racing. Drawing parallels to Max Verstappen‘s hurdles with Red Bull, Vasseur highlighted contrasting responses to similar challenges. Despite Verstappen’s sixth-place finish in Bahrain, his overall performance retained commendation, contrasting the critique leveled at Hamilton.
Vasseur urged a patient, progressive approach towards Ferrari’s ongoing struggles, advocating for measured improvement rather than reactionary judgments based on single events. As Hamilton and Ferrari advance through the season, Vasseur’s strategy will be under close scrutiny, shedding light on their path to overcoming these obstacles.
As the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds, the motorsport community will closely watch Lewis Hamilton’s journey at Ferrari. Successfully navigating these early hurdles could redefine the team’s competitive dynamics and set a precedent for future races. Stay tuned for updates on Hamilton’s progress as he and Ferrari strive for triumph on the track.
