Lewis Hamilton's radio message during the recent race has amplified concerns surrounding the Ferrari SF-25's persistent issues, casting a shadow over the team's performance and raising questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. The seven-time world champion's frustration was palpable as he navigated the challenges of the race, highlighting weaknesses in braking confidence, tire consistency, and straight-line efficiency.
Throughout the 2025 Formula 1 season, both Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc have grappled with these recurring limitations. At the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton's struggles were evident as he qualified last and fought to climb through the field, only to be met with the same issues that have plagued Ferrari's campaign. Despite a strong start that saw him gain several positions, his progress stalled, and the race became an uphill battle against the car's inherent problems.
Hamilton's radio messages painted a clear picture of the difficulties he faced. He reported inconsistent brake bite, a recurring issue for Ferrari drivers, which significantly impacted his pace. Overtaking proved unusually challenging, as he spent extended periods stuck behind slower cars. A slow pit stop further compounded his frustrations, leading him to question the team's strategy and express concern about tire degradation. With ten laps remaining, Hamilton bluntly stated that he had no performance left in the car.
The SF-25's struggles can be attributed to several factors. During qualifying, the car has struggled with tire performance, particularly during the warmup phase. Data indicates that the SF-25 consistently loses ground in the first sector due to difficulties in effectively activating the tires. Moreover, the car has exhibited unusually high understeer, forcing drivers to apply larger steering angles and compromising corner exits. Aerodynamic experiments with different downforce levels have not fully resolved the balance issues.
According to reports, Ferrari has been working on upgrades to address these concerns. Adjustments to the power steering system were made after complaints from Hamilton and Leclerc about the car's handling in high-speed corners. A rear-suspension upgrade was also introduced to improve ride-height issues and unlock more of the car's potential. However, the effectiveness of these upgrades remains a subject of debate.
Adding to the complexity, there have been suggestions that Hamilton and Leclerc have not been driving identical cars. It was revealed that Hamilton's SF-25 had a failing part that put him at a disadvantage compared to Leclerc. This issue, related to the car's floor, affected Hamilton's performance across several races.
Looking ahead, Ferrari faces the challenge of addressing the SF-25's fundamental weaknesses to provide Hamilton and Leclerc with a competitive platform. The team's inability to maximize qualifying, manage tire windows, and maintain braking confidence has been costly. With Formula 1's next major rule reset arriving in 2026, Ferrari must make significant improvements to its car philosophy to compete for championships.
