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A Formula 1 analyst has cast doubt on Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari, suggesting the seven-time champion is facing unexpected hurdles in his quest for an eighth title. Hamilton’s blockbuster move to the Scuderia, ending a 12-year partnership with Mercedes, was hailed as a fresh chapter in his legendary career. However, his early days in red have been rocky—marked by a testing crash in Barcelona and lukewarm performances. Now, critics argue the Briton’s struggles signal deeper issues, with one pundit claiming the Ferrari SF-25 itself may be working against him.
“The Ferrari Looks Really Nasty”: Inside Lewis Hamilton’s testing woes
Alex Brundle, a respected racing driver and commentator, didn’t mince words when dissecting Hamilton’s pre-season testing struggles in Bahrain. Observing onboard footage of Lewis Hamilton’s laps, Brundle noted the Ferrari’s erratic behavior, particularly in high-speed corners.
“That Ferrari looks really difficult to drive this afternoon,” he remarked. “Exit at Turn 4, entry at Turn 11, way wide. Through the mid-corner of Turn 13 as well. Anywhere where it’s got its tail to the wind, Hamilton is really struggling to get it into the apex.”
Brundle highlighted persistent understeer and instability, adding, “It looks really, really nasty behind the [wheel], whatever they’ve done to that Ferrari for Hamilton, whatever they’re testing. Of course, you take avenues that don’t always work, but that isn’t friendly.”
Hamilton’s testing session ended prematurely after Ferrari detected a telemetry anomaly, described by the team as a “precautionary” move. He finished sixth on the timesheet, trailing teammate Charles Leclerc, who topped the morning runs. While Ferrari downplayed the issue, Brundle’s critique underscores a troubling trend: the SF-25 appears unforgiving, even for a driver of Hamilton’s caliber.
A rocky start or a red flag?
Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari has been under scrutiny since his Barcelona shunt, where he lost control during a wet practice run. Critics argue the car’s aggressive aerodynamics and twitchy rear demand a driving style at odds with Hamilton’s smooth, precision-based approach. Brundle’s observations amplify concerns that the SF-25’s design—tailored for Leclerc’s aggressive cornering—might not suit the Briton’s technique.
Ferrari’s engineers now face a dual challenge: refining the car’s balance ahead of the season opener while ensuring Hamilton regains confidence. With pre-season testing offering limited data, the pressure is mounting. As Brundle put it, “This isn’t friendly.”
For Lewis Hamilton, the stakes couldn’t be higher. His legacy hinges on conquering this final frontier. But if the car remains a handful, even his genius may not be enough to tame the prancing horse.
