Hamilton Faces Challenges While Adapting Driving Style with Ferrari

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN — Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One World Champion, disclosed the adjustments he must undertake concerning his driving style to effectively adapt to the Ferrari SF-25, describing the task as “not impossible.” This revelation comes after Hamilton clinched his first victory with Ferrari in the Sprint race during the weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, yet he has faced difficulties since his transition from Mercedes.

With lower-than-expected finishing positions, including a disqualification from the Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton marked a better performance with a P5 finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix. Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, he focused on enhancing his driving style: “My focus this weekend is driving style, really getting on top of the circuit and getting into a rhythm. This track is incredible,” Hamilton remarked, expressing his hope of applying lessons learned from Bahrain to the Jeddah circuit.

He elaborated on the task ahead, stating, “Every driver has a driving style, and my driving style has worked for many years. Naturally, you adapt it a little bit over time, but this one needs more of a drastic shift.” In Bahrain, Hamilton discovered some adjustments that worked in his favor, but he acknowledged the ongoing difficulty he may face when the pressure of qualifying arises. The driver stated he would need to remain “patient and diligent” in his approach starting tomorrow.

On the other end of the Ferrari garage, teammate Charles Leclerc secured fourth place in both of his last two Grand Prix races and has managed to elicit better performance from the car, albeit with difficulties. In Bahrain, he mentioned, “It’s just a bit trickier to drive and the car might be a bit less predictable going into a corner. As a driver, it’s not something that gives you particular confidence, but it’s something that I like—weirdly.”

Leclerc outlined the balance he must achieve on the street circuit, noting the need for full commitment when entering corners amid the walls that define the layout, contributing to finding that delicate balance. “So we’ve got to find that balance,” he added, “a bit less of a predictable car and you’ve got to fight the car a lot more. But for now, I have liked this direction.”

In contrast, McLaren‘s Lando Norris led the opening session on Friday, displaying impressive speed despite challenging conditions. Teammate Oscar Piastri, after a struggle in FP1, bounced back in FP2 with an exhilarating lap, claiming the top time of the session. “A reasonable day for the team,” Norris said. “The team has worked hard all day, and we have plenty of things to focus on tomorrow for a strong qualifying.”

Hamilton’s progress was notably challenged during FP1, as he struggled to find grip, finishing the session in P3, before dropping to P8 in FP2, where track conditions were cooler. He commented on the need for improvements: “FP2 was a step forward… but others seem competitive in all conditions, so we’ll be working hard overnight to close the gap.”

Over at Mercedes, George Russell managed to post competitive times, while Kimi Antonelli faced water pressure issues that curtailed his running in FP1. Antonelli, however, improved in FP2, indicating a better rapport with the car but acknowledging that McLaren likely remains the stronger competitor. “We can definitely take the fight to the Red Bulls and Ferrari,” he stated optimistically before the critical qualifying session.

As teams continue processing data and optimizing their vehicles overnight, the juxtaposition of Hamilton’s and Leclerc’s challenges highlights the depth of competition as the Bahrain Grand Prix approaches.