F1: Charles Leclerc defends Hamilton and predicts Ferrari comeback after Hungary GP

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s driver, stood up for Lewis Hamilton after a challenging weekend at the Hungary GP, the 14th round of the 2025 Formula 1 season, held on August 3. The seven-time world champion was knocked out in Q2 and finished 12th, missing the points. Meanwhile, Leclerc secured pole position and led part of the race but lost pace due to a chassis issue with the SF-25. The Monegasque downplayed Hamilton’s criticism of the team and expressed confidence that his teammate would return stronger after the F1 summer break. The next race, the Dutch GP, is set for August 29-31 in Zandvoort. Leclerc’s support highlights Ferrari’s internal dynamics as they aim for better results this season.

Ferrari faced contrasting fortunes at Hungaroring. Leclerc showed competitiveness but couldn’t convert pole into victory, while Hamilton endured one of his worst performances in his debut season with the Italian team. The seven-time champion voiced frustration, calling himself “useless” and hinting at changes in Ferrari’s driver lineup.

• Hungary GP performance: Leclerc led qualifying and fought for the win until the chassis issue.
• Hamilton’s contrast: The Briton failed to reach Q3 and finished pointless.
• Team focus: Leclerc stressed the importance of both drivers succeeding for Ferrari’s strength.

Ferrari’s internal dynamics

The 2025 season has been tough for Ferrari, which entered the year with high hopes after finishing 2024 just 14 points behind McLaren in the constructors’ championship. Lewis Hamilton’s arrival, a seven-time world champion, sparked optimism, but results have fallen short. By the Hungary GP, Leclerc had secured five podiums, while Hamilton has yet to reach the podium in grands prix, though he won the China sprint. A 42-point gap between the drivers reflects Leclerc’s quicker adaptation to the SF-25, while Hamilton struggles with the car’s balance.

Leclerc, with Ferrari since 2019, is well-versed in the team’s car and operations. Hamilton, coming from 12 years at Mercedes where he won six of his seven titles, faces a learning curve with Ferrari’s unique approach to car setup. Leclerc emphasized that Hamilton’s Hungary struggles were an isolated case, expressing confidence in his teammate’s recovery.

• Season points: Leclerc has 151 points; Hamilton, 109.
• Podiums: All five Ferrari podiums in 2025 belong to Leclerc.
• Hamilton’s adaptation: The Briton is still seeking the ideal SF-25 setup.

Statements and tensions at Hungary GP

The Hungary GP, the final race before the summer break, exposed tensions at Ferrari. After his Q2 exit, Hamilton was harsh on himself, suggesting the team consider a driver lineup change. Post-race, he criticized Ferrari’s behind-the-scenes operations without elaborating. Leclerc, however, took a positive stance, focusing on team unity and Hamilton’s ability to bounce back.

Known for self-criticism, Leclerc also faced setbacks this season, like Ferrari’s double disqualification in China. Still, he maintains a leadership role, aiming to motivate Hamilton and foster collaboration. Under Fred Vasseur’s leadership, Ferrari has worked to balance both drivers’ setup preferences, with Leclerc favoring a car prone to oversteer, yielding better results.

That’s what happens when you take on Lewis at his own game 🤣🎮

Full video out now: https://t.co/yNHLswspLk pic.twitter.com/2nOlOkN3UX

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Fórmula 1 muda medição de motores e proíbe brecha técnica da Mercedes no GP de Mônaco

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— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) August 7, 2025

Ferrari’s upgrades and outlook

Ferrari introduced significant SF-25 upgrades in 2025, including a revised rear suspension at the Belgian GP and steering system improvements in Hungary. These aim to boost competitiveness against McLaren, which leads the constructors’ championship by 238 points over Ferrari. Despite challenges, Ferrari holds second place, capitalizing on inconsistent performances from Red Bull and Mercedes.

Hamilton has been working with chassis technical director Loic Serra to tailor the car to his driving style, addressing unwanted SF-25 traits. Leclerc noted that recent upgrades put Ferrari on the right track, though more work is needed to catch McLaren. The team plans to use the summer break to analyze data and refine the car for the season’s second half.

• Recent upgrades: Revised rear suspension in Belgium and steering system in Hungary.
• McLaren gap: Ferrari trails by 238 points in the constructors’ championship.
• Technical collaboration: Hamilton works with Serra to adapt the car.
• Leclerc’s confidence: He believes Ferrari is on the right path.

Hamilton’s challenges in debut season

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been tougher than anticipated. After 12 years at Mercedes, where he secured 84 wins, he struggles to maximize the SF-25’s potential. His best qualifying results were fourth in Monaco and Austria, while Leclerc has been among the season’s top qualifiers. In Hungary, Hamilton lagged behind Leclerc in both qualifying and the race, widening the intra-team gap.

Despite setbacks, Hamilton has shown progress. In Austria, he matched his best result of the year with a fourth-place finish, and Ferrari was the second-fastest team in Silverstone. The Briton acknowledges that adapting to Ferrari takes time, given the team’s distinct work philosophy and car setup compared to Mercedes. Leclerc praised Hamilton’s feedback, noting it helps identify SF-25 improvement areas.

Looking ahead to Dutch GP

With the summer break underway, Ferrari has a chance to reassess its strategy and address SF-25 weaknesses. The Dutch GP in Zandvoort will be a key test, especially for Hamilton, who seeks his first Ferrari win. Leclerc believes the high-speed corners of Zandvoort could suit the car, provided upgrades are well-executed.

Ferrari also faces pressure to close the gap to McLaren in the constructors’ championship. With 10 races left, consistency is crucial to chase the title, last won in 2008. Despite performance differences, Leclerc and Hamilton share the goal of returning Ferrari to the top, and their mutual support could be a game-changer in the second half of 2025.

• Next race: Dutch GP, August 29-31, in Zandvoort.
• Ferrari’s goal: Cut the 238-point gap to McLaren.
• Track confidence: Zandvoort’s high-speed corners may favor Ferrari.
• Driver unity: Leclerc and Hamilton aim to collaborate for team success.