Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton was seen greeting his engineers with a smile despite facing challenges during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last weekend. The 40-year-old Formula One icon has struggled to adapt his driving style to the SF-25, particularly in the early rounds of this season. Expectations were high for the former champion following the strong performance of the Italian team towards the end of the previous year, as rumors swirled about a potential title charge for the upcoming 2025 season.
However, the excitement surrounding Hamilton’s partnership with Ferrari was tempered as the SF-25’s performance ceiling and his inconsistent results contrasted sharply with those of his teammate, Charles Leclerc. In Jeddah, Hamilton had a particularly challenging race, qualifying and finishing in P7, and he was unable to make any significant advances over the course of the 50-lap event.
A video shared by Ferrari on their official Instagram account showcased Hamilton’s warm interaction with his engineers before their debriefing. This display of camaraderie highlights Hamilton’s professional approach, even in the face of adversity. Former Ferrari test driver Marc Gene has praised Hamilton’s contributions, noting that the feedback he provides is invaluable to the team due to his extensive experience and understanding of what is needed from the car.
On the Beyond the Grid podcast, Gene remarked on Hamilton’s impact, stating that he has been known for his adaptability throughout various regulations. Nevertheless, he has faced difficulties mastering the current generation of ground effect cars. While Hamilton’s traditional ‘V-shape’ cornering technique contrasts with the ‘U-style’ driving favored by younger drivers like Lando Norris, it remains to be seen how he will overcome these struggles moving forward.
The significance of this meeting between Lewis Hamilton and the Ferrari engineers cannot be overstated. While the road ahead may be challenging, the collaboration between an experienced driver and a legendary team holds the potential to reshape the trajectory of the season. As the team addresses these performance issues, fans and observers alike will be eager to see how Hamilton evolves and adapts to the demands of the SF-25 in future races.
