For Ferrari, 2025 marks a pivotal season—a time of great promise but also immense pressure. The team has a seven-time world champion in their ranks, Lewis Hamilton, but they also have a fundamental problem that could make or break their title hopes by 2026.

Recent data has shed light on a challenge no one quite expected: the SF25, Ferrari’s current car, is a poor match for Hamilton’s driving style.

What’s even more startling is the discovery that Ferrari’s legendary car maker, who has made an art of working with machines that seem almost telepathic, is now fighting his car like a rookie.

The Alienation of Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton has built his career on his unique ability to bond with cars. His connection with the Mercedes W12, the car he clinched his most recent world titles with, was iconic. Hamilton could feel his machine, predict its every move, and use that information to push the boundaries of what was possible on track. His approach, instinctive yet controlled, has made him one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. But when it comes to the Ferrari SF25, something is wrong.

Hamilton himself has admitted that the SF25 sometimes feels “alien.” Think about it: This is the same driver who has effortlessly won races and championships across multiple teams and car generations. Yet, now he describes his Ferrari as foreign to his driving style. The admission is shocking, especially for a driver whose innate ability to communicate with his machinery has been a cornerstone of his success.

At the Hungarian and Belgian Grand Prix this year, Hamilton was left feeling utterly out of sync with the car. Both races saw him finish well outside the podium places—far from the driver we are used to seeing dominate. The question then becomes: Why? What has gone wrong?

Ferrari’s Data Reveals an Unsettling Truth

Ferrari’s engineers, keen on understanding Hamilton’s struggles, compared his telemetry data to that of his teammate Charles Leclerc. The results revealed a stark contrast in the way the two drivers approach the SF25, and perhaps more importantly, in the way the car responds to them.

Charles Leclerc, known for his aggressive driving style, seems to thrive in the SF25’s sharpness. He is able to throw the car into corners, late-brake with precision, and snap the car back into line with aggressive throttle inputs. For Leclerc, the SF25 responds well to his driving philosophy, which emphasizes attacking corners, controlling the car’s rotation, and maximizing braking power. It’s a car that demands a sharp, almost instinctive approach, and Leclerc is more than capable of meeting that challenge.

In stark contrast, Hamilton’s telemetry tells a different story. His steering inputs show constant micro-adjustments, a sign that he is having to fight the car every lap. Where there should be smooth transitions, Hamilton’s throttle hesitates—it’s as if the car and driver are in a constant struggle to find harmony. Hamilton’s braking patterns reveal him compensating for the car’s instability, rather than commanding the car with his usual finesse. What should be fluid and instinctive is now a battle of wills.

Is This Adaptation or a Fundamental Mismatch?

One might argue that Hamilton simply needs more time to adapt to the Ferrari SF25. After all, every driver faces challenges when switching teams, and Hamilton is no exception. But Ferrari’s engineers argue that this problem goes much deeper than just adaptation issues. Hamilton’s driving philosophy—his reliance on smoothness, on carrying momentum through corners and balancing the car on its edge—simply doesn’t suit the SF25’s character.

The SF25, by contrast, demands precision, sharp inputs, and a more aggressive style. Ferrari’s current car is designed around Leclerc’s strengths, and unfortunately, Hamilton is forced to fight against that design at every corner. While this could theoretically be resolved with setup changes or adjustments to his driving style, the telemetry data suggests that no amount of tinkering will create the kind of synergy Hamilton is used to. Every lap becomes a compromise—a battle between Hamilton’s natural driving instincts and a car that doesn’t respond in kind.

What Could Hamilton Achieve with the Right Ferrari?

Now, here’s the million-dollar question: What could Hamilton achieve in a Ferrari that suits his driving style? The idea that Hamilton can still fight for top-six finishes despite being at odds with his car is a testament to his skill, resilience, and determination. But what if Ferrari could design a car that allowed Hamilton to operate in his natural flow? How much faster, more confident, and more dangerous would Hamilton be if the car was an extension of his own instincts?

This discovery could have far-reaching consequences for Ferrari’s future. In 2026, Formula 1 will introduce new regulations, which will reshape car designs across the grid. For Ferrari, this presents a unique opportunity—a blank slate. If they can design a car that marries the sharpness of Leclerc’s driving with the flow of Hamilton’s, they could have the perfect Formula 1 package. With Hamilton in the right car, Ferrari could suddenly find themselves with the best of both worlds: a versatile, powerful duo that could take on Mercedes, Red Bull, and anyone else in their way.

The Crossroads Facing Ferrari

Team principal Fred Vasseur has recognized the urgency of this issue. He understands the stakes involved, not just in terms of the 2025 season but looking ahead to 2026. Vasseur has already made it clear that podiums are expected from the team, and he is working with Ferrari’s engineers to solve this problem. If the team cannot provide Hamilton with a car that suits his driving style, the damage could be irreversible, especially with new regulations coming into play.

However, Vasseur also realizes that this problem isn’t just about adjusting Hamilton to Ferrari’s current design philosophy. It’s about recalibrating Ferrari’s entire approach. For too long, Ferrari has focused on designing cars that cater to Leclerc’s sharp, aggressive style. Now, the challenge is to create a car that combines Leclerc’s precision with Hamilton’s finesse—a car that allows both drivers to operate at their peak.

A Turning Point for Ferrari

Ferrari has an opportunity to rebuild their design philosophy, one that will not only serve Hamilton but also make them competitive in the long run. The question is whether they have the foresight and the courage to embrace this challenge. Will they redesign their car for 2026 to accommodate the legendary instincts of Hamilton? Or will they continue to build cars around Leclerc’s aggressive style, leaving Hamilton to adapt to machinery that doesn’t suit him?

The data suggests that Ferrari’s future could hinge on this decision. If they can get it right, Hamilton could be unleashed in a way the sport has never seen. And with both of their drivers operating in perfect harmony with their machines, Ferrari could dominate the grid for years to come.

The Legacy of Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton’s legacy has already been cemented as one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula 1. But the current situation is bittersweet. While Hamilton fights through the limitations of the SF25, his determination and talent shine through. The question now is whether Ferrari will take advantage of this opportunity to unlock Hamilton’s full potential and, in turn, change the future of Formula 1.

It’s clear that Ferrari’s data has revealed the problem. Now, the world is waiting to see if they will take the next step and reshape their car to suit Hamilton’s legendary instincts. If they get it right, the Hamilton we haven’t seen yet could be the most dangerous version of all. The next few years could define Ferrari’s future in Formula 1 and, perhaps, the final chapters of Hamilton’s illustrious career.

The ball is now in Ferrari’s court. Will they adapt to Hamilton, or will they force him to adapt to them? Only time will tell, but the stakes could not be higher.