The recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix delivered a surprising podium finish that could offer a significant Lewis Hamilton Ferrari boost. Although Hamilton finished eighth after a difficult qualifying and race, the weekend demonstrated potential progress for the seven-time world champion in his new Ferrari environment.
Hamilton faced challenges throughout the weekend, being eliminated in the second qualifying session and finishing behind Carlos Sainz, the driver he replaced, who secured a podium in third place for Williams. Despite Sainz’s advantage from a fortunate starting position, the race outcome revealed opportunities for Hamilton’s future at Ferrari.
Analyzing Sainz’s Recovery and What It Means for Hamilton
Carlos Sainz’s return to the podium after joining Williams mirrors some aspects of Hamilton’s 2025 season struggles. Both drivers have recently transitioned to new teams this year and are adjusting to unfamiliar cars and environments, resulting in underwhelming performances compared to their respective teammates.
When considering race results, Alex Albon has outperformed Sainz 11-5, just as Charles Leclerc holds a significant 12-3 edge over Hamilton. Sainz’s frequent absence from the final qualifying stage resonates with Hamilton’s difficulties finding competitive pace within Ferrari, highlighting the common uphill battle both face.
Sainz openly acknowledged the season’s challenges. Labeling it “frustrating” in Hungary and expressing “disappointment” at times, the Spaniard has connected his own experience to Hamilton’s adaptation troubles this year.
It is extremely demanding and a lot more difficult than what people think,
Carlos Sainz said to the media in Miami.
He added, “It makes our life extremely demanding back in the simulator and in the factory trying to learn every possible thing about the car, especially when you have an experienced team mate in the team.
In this case, [it’s] having Alex [Albon] that knows the car so well, and knows the team so well, so for me to jump in and try to be close to his level is demanding.
The same will happen to Lewis with Charles, because he knows the team so well. It is very demanding, it is an approach that can take months and, as I said, sometimes it can take a third or half of a year to adapt.
Carlos Sainz
For Sainz, the difficulties of this season culminated in a rewarding podium finish, but this achievement should serve as encouragement for Hamilton rather than deepen any sense of frustration. Despite starting with less experience in his current car compared to his teammate and lacking involvement in the car’s development, Sainz has still managed to reach the podium—an example Hamilton can follow at Ferrari.
What’s Next for Hamilton After the Azerbaijan Race?
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur highlighted the possibility of Hamilton competing for podium places as the season moves forward. Vasseur sees Sainz’s podium as tangible proof of what Hamilton could also accomplish, suggesting that the champion’s focus should be on building confidence rather than comparing himself unfavorably to the driver he succeeded.
This shift in mindset may help Hamilton harness his experience and skill to overcome the current hurdles, ultimately translating into better results in the remaining Formula 1 events of 2025. The Azerbaijan race weekend serves as a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, progress is attainable.
