Brundle’s Concern Over Hamilton’s “Perplexing” Ferrari Form
Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle described Lewis Hamilton’s ongoing struggles with Ferrari as “uncomfortable listening and viewing,” emphasizing the seven-time champion’s visible frustration during post-race interviews. Brundle noted Hamilton’s inability to extract consistent pace from the SF-25, attributing part of the issue to setup choices that leave the driver “shocked” by performance gaps.
Saudi GP Highlights Growing Ferrari Disparity
At the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Hamilton qualified seventh and finished over 30 seconds behind teammate Charles Leclerc, who secured Ferrari’s first podium of 2025. Hamilton called his race “horrible,” citing a lack of grip and balance, and admitted there were “zero positives” beyond Leclerc’s result. The 31-second margin marked the largest intra-team gap among cars that finished on the same lap.
Hamilton’s “Painful” Season-Long Prediction
Hamilton warned that his difficulties adapting to Ferrari’s car and brakes could persist throughout 2025, stating, “At the moment, there’s no fix. This is how it’s going to be for the rest of the year.” He highlighted challenges with Brembo brakes and engine braking techniques, contrasting sharply with his previous setup.
Leclerc Contrast Exposes Ferrari’s Paradox
While Leclerc’s podium in Jeddah showcased the SF-25’s potential, Hamilton’s performances remain “inexplicable.” The Monegasque leads Hamilton significantly in points and qualifying, underscoring the Briton’s adaptation struggles.
Technical Troubles Compound Frustration
Hamilton labeled the ground-effect era “the worst” for his driving style, as the SF-25’s aerodynamics demand smoother inputs conflicting with his late-braking approach. Brundle suggested setup misdirection may be exacerbating the issues, leaving Hamilton “not confident” in the car.
What’s Next?
Hamilton plans factory visits to address setup concerns ahead of the Miami GP, though he remains pessimistic about rapid improvements. With Ferrari yet to resolve its qualifying struggles, the team faces mounting pressure to unlock consistency for both drivers.