Lewis Hamilton expressed relief upon discovering that a significant technical problem with his Ferrari had seriously affected his performance during the recent Spanish Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion began the race in Barcelona from fifth on the grid and briefly moved up to fourth on the opening lap, but ultimately finished sixth after being ordered to let teammate Charles Leclerc pass, who secured third place.
Hamilton had initially appeared downbeat and self-critical during his post-race interviews, attributing his lack of pace to his own driving rather than mechanical issues. However, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur later confirmed that Hamilton’s SF-25 had been hampered by a technical fault, explaining the struggles he faced during the race.
Details of Ferrari Car Issues and Hamilton’s Reaction
Speaking ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton revealed more about the difficulties he and Leclerc encountered with the car. He also expressed frustration that Ferrari discouraged open discussion regarding these problems between the drivers and the team. Hamilton said,
“Unfortunately the team don’t really want us to talk about it but we both had issues that were hindering us massively from halfway through the race.”
He continued to describe how the problem affected him during the event:
“I didn’t know if we had that problem, but I said on the radio that it was the worst feeling the car ever had. And it truly was.”
Hamilton further emphasized the severity of the issue, stating,
“At the end of the race I was like, ‘I have never experienced something this bad for such a prolonged time through a race’.”
Reflecting on the moment when he learned about the technical fault, Hamilton added,
“It wasn’t until after the TV interviews when I got back to the engineers that I found out there was an issue, so it was a bit of a relief to hear that because it definitely didn’t feel so terrible afterwards.”
Challenges in Hamilton’s First Season with Ferrari
Hamilton’s debut year with Ferrari has been difficult, as he has yet to secure a podium finish despite competing in nine races so far. His best result remains a Sprint victory in China earlier in the season. The SF-25 has underperformed compared to Ferrari’s championship aspirations, while his teammate Charles Leclerc has achieved three podiums, highlighting the performance gap within the team.
Despite these setbacks, Hamilton expressed that he is not desperate for a strong weekend at the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix, a race where he has previously enjoyed considerable success, including his first Formula 1 victory.
“I don’t feel that I’m searching. Of course, a good weekend would be is always a good thing. But I don’t feel like I’m in a desperate need of one,”
Hamilton explained.
He shared insights into the challenges of adapting to Ferrari’s approach to car setup, contrasting it with his previous experiences:
“I think it looks a lot worse outside than it probably is on the inside. Even just coming from engineering now, how they set the car up compared to any other year that I’ve been here is completely different.”
Hamilton described his ongoing dialogue with the engineers, saying,
“Having discussions with engineers to change things, there’s a certain way they like to work and I say, ‘hold on a second that doesn’t actually make sense, this is what I’ve done for the last 18 years here’. And it’s worked in a lot of them.”
He added,
“Getting those things consistently, working with the team, and making sure you’re working in a constructive way to make changes to the car very much has a real sweet spot, and we’re trying to get it working at all the tracks, which everyone’s having to struggle with. I’m hoping this weekend can be strong.”
Overview of the Canadian Grand Prix Event Schedule
The 2025 Formula 1 season continues this weekend with the Canadian Grand Prix, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. The action kicks off on Friday, June 13, with multiple sessions including F1 Academy Practice and Canadian GP Practice One, starting at 6:30 pm. The day also features The F1 Show and the Team Principals’ Press Conference.
Saturday, June 14, includes F1 Academy Race One at 2:10 pm, Canadian GP Practice Three at 5:30 pm, followed by F1 Academy Race Two in the evening, and culminates with Canadian GP Qualifying at 9 pm. Sunday, June 15, features F1 Academy Race Three mid-afternoon, the main Canadian Grand Prix starting at 7 pm, and post-race coverage, including expert analysis from Ted at 10 pm.
Significance of Hamilton’s Revelation and What Lies Ahead
Hamilton’s confession that a mechanical issue prevented him from performing at his best in Spain sheds new light on his recent struggles in the 2025 season. This admission not only explains his unexpected pace drop but also highlights ongoing challenges within Ferrari’s team dynamics and car development. As he prepares for the Canadian GP, Hamilton’s focus remains on improving collaboration with engineers to find the optimal setup, aiming to regain competitiveness on tracks where he has historically excelled.
With the Canadian race offering another chance to demonstrate his skill and adaptability, all eyes will be on Hamilton as he attempts to overcome technical setbacks and bridge the performance gap with Leclerc in Ferrari’s ongoing campaign.
