Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 Ferrari stint echoes 2024 Mercedes performance

Lewis Hamilton faces challenges at Ferrari in 2025, with no wins after 13 races. The seven-time champion, who switched from Mercedes to the Italian team, has 109 points and holds 6th in the Drivers’ Championship, close to his 125 points at the same stage in 2024. Despite Ferrari’s strong position as second in the Constructors’ Championship, Hamilton struggles to adapt to the SF-25 car and trails teammate Carlos Sainz. The highly anticipated move has yet to deliver, though his consistency remains comparable to his final Mercedes season.

The shift to Ferrari was expected to mark a new chapter for Hamilton, but the transition has been rocky. The British driver, with seven world titles, has not found the pace to compete for podiums or poles in 2025. In contrast, his 2024 season with Mercedes included a memorable win at the British GP and three podiums, despite the team’s struggles as the fourth-best outfit.

• Key comparison points:
  • 2024: 6th place, 125 points, 1 win, 3 podiums.
  • 2025: 6th place, 109 points, 0 wins, 0 podiums.
  • Consistent finishes: 12 top-10 results in both years.

Struggles with the SF-25

Hamilton has openly admitted difficulties adapting to Ferrari’s SF-25 car. Designed to compete with McLaren, the car’s aerodynamic setup and handling characteristics have proven challenging for the Briton. While teammate Carlos Sainz, in his final Ferrari season, secured podiums and sits 5th with 139 points, Hamilton remains winless and podium-less in 2025.

The Ferrari demands a different driving style compared to the Mercedes Hamilton piloted for 12 years. The SF-25 requires precise braking and excels in high-speed corners, areas where Hamilton is still adjusting. His feedback highlights issues with tire wear and grip, particularly on slower circuits.

• Technical challenges:
  • Limited grip on low-speed tracks.
  • High tire degradation in long races.
  • Aerodynamic setup favoring Sainz’s style.
  • Ongoing adaptation to Ferrari’s engineering.

2024 Mercedes vs. 2025 Ferrari

In 2024, Hamilton drove for a Mercedes team that ranked 4th in the Constructors’ Championship with 241 points. Despite the car’s limitations, he secured a win at Silverstone, three podiums, and five top-5 finishes, outscoring teammate George Russell (116 points, 8th). His 125 points reflected a solid, if unspectacular, season.

In 2025, Ferrari holds 2nd in the Constructors’ Championship with 248 points, but Hamilton’s 109 points lag behind Sainz’s 139. The SF-25 is a step up from the 2024 Mercedes in raw pace, yet Hamilton’s results are slightly worse. His sprint win in China and third place in Miami’s sprint race don’t count toward official F1 stats, further highlighting his struggles.

The consistency of 12 top-10 finishes in both years shows Hamilton’s ability to score points, but the lack of standout results in 2025 raises questions about his integration with Ferrari.

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Competitive landscape in 2025

The 2025 Drivers’ Championship is led by Max Verstappen (Red Bull), followed by Lando Norris (McLaren). Carlos Sainz, in 5th, outperforms Hamilton, who remains stuck in 6th, mirroring his 2024 position. The inconsistency of Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda has kept Hamilton in contention, but he has yet to capitalize on their struggles.

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Ferrari expected Hamilton’s experience to yield race wins, but the team’s focus has split between developing the SF-25 and managing two drivers with different needs. Sainz, set to join Williams in 2026, has adapted better, leaving Hamilton under pressure to deliver.

• Top Drivers’ Championship standings (after 13 races):
  • 1st: Max Verstappen (Red Bull).
  • 2nd: Lando Norris (McLaren).
  • 5th: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari, 139 points).
  • 6th: Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari, 109 points).

Ferrari’s strategy moving forward

Ferrari’s decision to sign Hamilton was as much about brand value as on-track performance. The seven-time champion’s global appeal boosts sponsorships and fan engagement. However, the lack of immediate results has sparked criticism among fans, who expected Hamilton to challenge for wins from the outset.

The team is preparing upgrades for the Hungarian GP, including a revised floor and rear wing to improve downforce and stability. Ferrari is also addressing tire management issues, a recurring problem in 2025. Hamilton remains confident, citing Ferrari’s progress over the 2024 Mercedes and emphasizing the need for time to fine-tune the car.

Testing during the August break will focus on aligning the SF-25 with Hamilton’s driving preferences, particularly in low-speed corners. The team aims to close the gap to McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship while pushing Hamilton toward podium contention.

SF-25’s technical specifications

The SF-25 represents Ferrari’s evolution from its 2024 car, with a refined aerodynamic package and a powerful hybrid power unit. The car features compact sidepods and an optimized floor for better airflow, delivering strong straight-line speed. However, its performance in slow corners remains a weak point, impacting Hamilton’s results.

The hybrid power unit, one of the most efficient in F1, provides a horsepower advantage, but the car’s suspension struggles in bumpy or tight circuits. Ferrari’s engineers are working on setup tweaks to balance performance across varied tracks.

• SF-25 features:
  • Enhanced floor for increased downforce.
  • Compact sidepods for aerodynamic efficiency.
  • High-output hybrid power unit.
  • Suspension tuned for mixed circuits.

Outlook for the season’s second half

With 11 races left in 2025, Hamilton has chances to turn his season around. Tracks like Monza and Singapore suit the SF-25’s strengths, offering opportunities for podiums or a potential win. Ferrari’s focus remains on securing second in the Constructors’ Championship while supporting Hamilton’s adaptation.

The team’s long-term vision includes leveraging Hamilton’s expertise for the 2026 car, which will debut under new F1 regulations. Despite the slow start, Hamilton’s consistency and Ferrari’s resources suggest brighter days ahead. Fans remain hopeful that the seven-time champion will rediscover his winning form before the season ends.