Lewis Hamilton delivered a surprising performance by leading the FP2 session at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday, marking a significant moment for the driver during a challenging first year with Ferrari. This unexpected result at the Baku City Circuit demonstrated Hamilton’s improving adaptation to the SF-25, Ferrari’s difficult car, amid his ongoing effort to find consistency after switching from Mercedes to the Italian team earlier this year.
The seven-time world champion’s move to Ferrari from Mercedes marked a major chapter in his career, but he has struggled to consistently extract performance from his new car. Despite flashes of promise, Hamilton’s season had been marred by adjustment issues, making his leading time in the second free practice session at Baku a notable development.
Challenges and Progress in Hamilton’s Transition to Ferrari
Since leaving Mercedes after 12 years, Hamilton has encountered a steep learning curve with Ferrari’s SF-25. Early in the season, unfamiliarity with the car and technical issues hampered his ability to contend consistently with teammate Charles Leclerc. At the Baku circuit, where confidence on braking is critical, Hamilton admitted to challenges acclimatising to the car’s behavior around the track.
“It really has [been] – thank the Lord! It wasn’t so positive [early on]… I would say [Free Practice 1] was a bit of a mess. This is a circuit where you have to have mega confidence on the brakes, and I had some problems with the brakes. Also, every track I’m going to is the first time driving the Ferrari at that circuit, so acclimatising to that is not easy,”
Hamilton explained after topping FP2, reflecting on his journey with the team and the difficulties faced entering new circuits with Ferrari equipment. ?Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Driver
Following the summer break, Hamilton’s form has shown gradual improvement, with his pace becoming more competitive in qualifying and race scenarios. This progression has begun to close the gap between him and Leclerc, Ferrari’s leading driver and a consistent front-runner this season.
Hamilton’s Cautious Optimism Ahead of the Race Weekend
Despite topping the FP2 timing sheet, Hamilton maintained a measured stance about Ferrari’s overall potential at Baku. He emphasized that progress during practice days should be tempered with caution as the real challenges lie ahead in qualifying and race conditions.
“It’s just practice day. I’d say let’s not go too far. I just want to say that I really am grateful for everyone continuing to push, the support I’ve been getting back from everyone at the factory, everyone here, their patience, their support, every weekend just lifting me up… the guys in the garage, all of our marketing team – they’re really making a big difference,”
Hamilton noted, highlighting the collective effort behind his performance. ?Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Driver
Moreover, Hamilton praised the passionate support from Ferrari’s fanbase, the Tifosi, especially after their energy at the recent Monza race. He expressed hope that this enthusiasm would continue to inspire the team throughout the Azerbaijan GP weekend.
“Then the Tifosi, we’ve been beaming from the energy from the Tifosi in the last race [at Monza] – I’m hoping to take that energy that they gave us all the way through the rest of the season.”
?Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Driver
Competition Under the Spotlight: Hamilton vs. Leclerc at Baku
Hamilton’s strong showing in FP2 places fresh focus on his intra-team rivalry with Charles Leclerc. Since finishing fourth at Silverstone a few months ago, Hamilton has not outqualified or outpaced Leclerc, who remains the favorite at circuits like Baku due to his rapid, smooth driving style and familiarity with Ferrari machinery.
Both drivers will need to sustain their practice pace through qualifying and the race to offer Ferrari a realistic chance of securing its first victory this season. Given Baku’s reputation for unpredictability and demands on driver confidence, the weekend promises to be a crucial test of Hamilton’s ongoing progress and the SF-25’s development.
Looking Ahead: What Hamilton’s FP2 Success Means for Ferrari
Hamilton’s immediate success in FP2 injects optimism into Ferrari’s 2025 campaign, signaling potential momentum after a shaky start. If the Briton can continue building confidence and refine his handling of the SF-25, Ferrari’s hopes of challenging Mercedes and Red Bull at key moments this season will grow stronger. Moreover, with Leclerc and Hamilton pushing each other, the team might unlock additional performance gains as the Azerbaijan GP unfolds.
This breakthrough at Baku could serve as a turning point, encouraging Hamilton and his engineers to solidify their understanding of the car and its limits under race conditions. However, the pressure remains high as Ferrari targets its first win in a highly competitive field.
