Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari face skepticism as they prepare for the F1 Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, with Hamilton’s qualifying difficulties putting his debut in the Ferrari team under pressure. Despite being a three-time winner of the Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton’s recent performances in qualifying have raised doubts about his ability to secure a top starting position on the demanding street circuit.
Ferrari, which has had a disappointing start to the 2025 season, showed some promise at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix held on home soil, where Hamilton finished fourth and teammate Charles Leclerc came in sixth. However, Hamilton’s qualifying session there left him “devastated,” heightening concerns about his pace in critical moments before the race.
Expert Opinion Highlights Limitations of Ferrari’s Current Car in Monaco
Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve expressed doubt about Ferrari’s chances in Monaco, pointing to the car’s suitability for the track. Speaking to Sky Sports, Villeneuve said the Ferrari vehicle lacks the precision needed for quick direction changes on the tight street layout, a characteristic essential for success at Monaco.
“I don’t think any track suits them,”
Villeneuve remarked.
“This year, the car isn’t good enough.”
He added that qualifying is the key component at Monaco and noted that Ferrari’s performance at Imola was particularly underwhelming during qualifying sessions.
Villeneuve also mentioned potential strategic shifts due to the new race regulations, including teams possibly delaying pit stops in hopes of benefiting from safety car interventions.
“It will be odd…” —Jacques Villeneuve, Former World Champion
New Tire Rules Alter Pit Stop Strategies for Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco race will feature updated requirements under Article 30.5, paragraph m of the Sporting Regulations, aiming to increase competitiveness and strategic variation. Drivers must utilize at least three different types of tires during the race, including a mix of dry or wet tires.
If drivers do not use intermediate or wet tires, they are obligated to use at least two different slick compounds, one of which must be from the mandatory dry categories, such as Hard or Medium. Non-compliance will result in disqualification or time penalties added to race results.
Pirelli, the tire supplier, has selected the three softest compounds for this race: C4 as Hard, C5 as Medium, and C6 as Soft. Despite this, these choices might not alleviate Ferrari’s main concern regarding Hamilton’s qualifying difficulties on the notoriously unforgiving circuit.
“Furthermore, an additional thirty seconds will be added to the elapsed time of any driver who used only one set of tyres of any specification during the race.” —FIA Sporting Regulations
The Persistent Issue of Hamilton’s Qualifying Performance at Monaco
Qualifying is widely regarded as the decisive factor in the Monaco Grand Prix because the narrow, winding street circuit makes overtaking extremely challenging. Lewis Hamilton’s struggles in qualifying sessions, particularly in Monaco, have persisted for over two years. In his final season with Mercedes, he was frequently bested by teammate George Russell, who recently out-qualified him again.
This year, even with a new car at Ferrari, Hamilton has yet to overcome these setbacks during qualifying. Nonetheless, following the Imola race, Hamilton expressed cautious optimism about his form, indicating he had addressed some issues that could improve his future performances with Ferrari.
Outlook for Hamilton and Ferrari at Monaco and Beyond
The pressure is high on Lewis Hamilton as he aims to prove his worth in the Ferrari team at one of the most prestigious and challenging races on the Formula 1 calendar. The combination of a tight circuit, challenging qualifying requirements, and Ferrari’s current vehicle limitations create an uncertain environment for the seasoned driver.
While Hamilton’s recent statements at Imola suggest progress, the Monaco Grand Prix will be a critical test of whether he can translate improvements into a strong qualifying and race day performance. The outcome in Monaco may significantly influence perceptions of Ferrari’s upgrade trajectory and Hamilton’s role within the team moving forward.
