1. A Rocky Partnership EmergesFerrari’s headline-making gamble—to pair seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton with their famed Scuderia—has hit turbulence in the early 2025 season. Hamilton’s struggles to adapt to the SF‑25, notably during challenging wet conditions, have starkly contrasted with teammate Charles Leclerc’s more consistent podium finishes . While Ferrari hoped Hamilton’s reputation would reignite their championship aspirations, the reality has sparked concern both internally and publicly.
2. Brand Clashing Creates TensionThis dynamic is more than just a performance issue—it reflects a deeper clash of brands. Former F1 team boss Guenther Steiner points out that Ferrari and Hamilton represent two global powerhouses that sometimes overshadow each other, suggesting Hamilton may even eclipse the team’s influence . His towering celebrity and off-track ventures—like fashion, film, and charity—firmly position him in the rarified category of athletes “bigger than their team.”
3. Strategic Missteps and RegretFerrari’s overhaul—drastically redesigning the SF‑25 over the winter—was intended to be a catalyst for competitive resurgence. But the payoff hasn’t materialized as expected. According to F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto, the team now regrets how extensively they changed their car’s setup, fearing it sent them backwards and compromised their mid-season development .
4. Technical and Communication FrictionOn the track, Hamilton has been vocal about technical frustrations—highlighting issues with braking systems, high plank wear settings, and wet-weather handling . Such struggles, amplified by tense engineer-driver communication moments (particularly involving race engineer Riccardo Adami), have underscored the growing friction within the Ferrari workshop, underscoring the team’s urgent need to recalibrate both car and collaborative dynamics.
5. Looking Ahead: Pressure and HopeWith both Vasseur’s leadership and the team’s championship ambitions at stake, Ferrari has pinned its hopes on upcoming upgrades—particularly revised rear suspension and floor modifications—to restore competitiveness later in the season . As Hamilton remains sixth in the Drivers’ Championship and trailing Leclerc by 16 points , the spotlight isn’t just on the car—it’s on whether Ferrari can realign its direction and stabilize the high-profile partnership before irreversible damage is done.
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