Lewis Hamilton is enduring a challenging 2025 season with Ferrari, struggling to meet expectations amid ongoing performance issues. The seven-time world champion has yet to secure a podium finish or race victory with Scuderia Ferrari, and his calls for car upgrades on the SF-25 have so far been declined, as he explains the reasons behind the team’s decision.
Hamilton’s difficulties stem from Ferrari’s overall underperformance this year, which has left the team trailing Mercedes and Red Bull in the constructors’ championship. Across the first 17 races, Hamilton’s best result is a sprint race win in China, highlighting the struggles he faces. Despite these setbacks, the British driver remains focused on maximizing the potential of his current machinery while awaiting improvements.
Adding to the personal and professional challenges, Hamilton recently suffered the loss of his dog Roscoe, who passed away following a battle with pneumonia. This emotional strain coincides with a tough period on the track, making the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix an especially significant and demanding event for the driver.
Reasons Behind Ferrari’s Reluctance to Upgrade Hamilton’s Car
Hamilton has openly discussed his desire for technical enhancements to his SF-25 but acknowledged that the team’s priorities lie elsewhere. Ferrari is currently concentrating their resources on developing next year’s car, adapting to the forthcoming regulations rather than refining the existing 2025 model.
He shared his frustration but emphasized the need for the team to excel in optimizing the current equipment. Hamilton said,
“I would give anything for an upgrade, but obviously, we don’t have that as the focus is on next year’s car, so we just have to do better in optimising and with execution.”
This statement underlines both his eagerness for improvements and understanding of the team’s strategic direction.
Anticipation Builds for the Singapore Grand Prix
Hamilton has historically enjoyed considerable success at the Singapore GP, winning there more than four times. Despite the tough season, he remains hopeful that the Marina Bay Circuit could offer an opportunity for a strong showing. He pointed out how critical qualifying is at Singapore, given the track’s nature, and expressed a wish for weather conditions that could shake up the race order in his favor.
Reflecting on the race’s characteristics, Hamilton commented,
“[Singapore] is not one of the most exciting races, so qualifying is going to be everything, and then I hope it rains or something like that, so it at least makes it a little bit interesting. It’d be nice, but it is not really going to change much for me.”
This candid remark highlights both his realistic outlook and his hope for a more unpredictable race environment.
Ferrari’s Broader Challenges in the 2025 Championship
Ferrari’s struggles extend beyond Hamilton’s personal difficulties, as the team appears to be conceding the fight for the constructors’ title. Having already lost the second position to Mercedes, Maranello is under increasing pressure from Red Bull, which seems to be regaining form. To remain competitive, Ferrari must improve execution and performance rapidly in the remaining seven races of the season.
For Hamilton, these next races represent a critical window to salvage points and demonstrate resilience despite a difficult campaign. While upgrade opportunities are limited, his experience and determination may still help him extract maximum performance from the SF-25 within the existing constraints. The Singapore GP will serve as an emotional and strategic test as Hamilton navigates this complex phase of his career.
