Lewis Hamilton admits to adapting his driving style for Ferrari: "This car drives so differently"
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton, has talked about adapting his driving style to Ferrari's SF-25. He is in his maiden campaign with the Maranello-based outfit this year.
Since the start of 2025, Lewis Hamilton has not looked as comfortable as his teammate Charles Leclerc behind the wheel of the SF-25. This is one of the main reasons why Hamilton is in sixth place with only 71 points, whereas Leclerc is sitting in fifth with 94.
Yesterday, to the surprise of many, Hamilton put his challenger in P5 in the qualifying session in comparison to Leclerc's P8. In line with his strong outing, the seven-time world champion added the following in his post-qualifying interview:
"Probably today most progress came from my driving, changing and adapting my driving style. I just made a few changes in how I was driving the car. This car drives so differently to what I had before. You go into low-speed corners and you're waiting and waiting - it doesn't want to turn. It's definitely not suited for this circuit." (via The Race)
Lewis Hamilton managed a P6 finish in the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix that took place at the Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya racing circuit.
"We need upgrades" - Lewis Hamilton on taking fight to the front runners
Ferrari's SF-25 has not proved to be a front-runner this year. After the first nine rounds, the outfit is yet to take its first victory in a full-fledged Grand Prix.
McLaren has so far amassed seven victories with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, whereas Red Bull has put on board two, courtesy of the efforts of the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen.
While shedding light on Ferrari's chances of fighting the top dogs this year, Lewis Hamilton made it clear that his team needs upgrades. In line with this, the Brit added:
"So we work on trying things and bit by bit, we are making progress. We're improving our qualifying from Monaco onwards, which is positive. Ultimately we need upgrades. We need an upgrade to be able to fight the guys up front." (via the Race)
Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari came to fruition because of his desire to win the record-breaking eighth world championship. He is currently tied on seven with the F1 legend, Michael Schumacher.
Taking into consideration how up and down the 2025 season has proved for Hamilton, it seems unlikely that he'll be able to win an eighth title this year.
The upcoming Montreal race could prove to be the one where he takes his maiden victory with the Maranello-based Ferrari F1 team, if things pan out in his favor at the start of the 70-lap race. Several eyes will be on the Brit during the main event at the Gilles Villeneuve Racing circuit.