After a challenging start to the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Lewis Hamilton bounced back with an impressive fifth-place finish, marking a significant upturn in form. The seven-time World Champion seems to be settling into life at Ferrari after initial struggles adapting to the SF-25.
Challenging Qualifying Gives Way to a Strong Race
Qualifying continued to reflect Hamilton’s early-season struggles, with the former Mercedes driver clocking in 0.931 seconds slower than pole-sitter Oscar Piastri, despite Ferrari’s recent upgrades. Starting from ninth, Hamilton opted for medium tyres and quickly climbed the field, while teammate Charles Leclerc dropped back after a poor launch.
His drive to P5 not only earned him valuable points but also saw him voted Driver of the Day—evidence that fans and experts alike recognized his gritty performance.
Bahrain Grand Prix 2025
Pos. Driver
1 Oscar Piastri McLaren
2 George Russell Mercedes
3 Lando Norris McLaren
4 Charles Leclerc Ferrari
5 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari
6 Max Verstappen Red Bull
7 Pierre Gasly Alpine
8 Esteban Ocon Haas
9 Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull
10 Oliver Bearman Haas
11 Andrea Kimi Antonelli Mercedes
12 Alexander Albon Williams
13 Nico Hulkenberg Sauber
14 Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls
15 Jack Doohan Alpine
16 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin
17 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls
18 Lance Stroll Aston Martin
19 Gabriel Bortoleto Sauber
20 Carlos Sainz Jnr Williams
Adjusting to Ferrari's Unique Driving Demands
Speaking to the media post-race, Hamilton opened up about the ongoing process of adapting to his new environment and car setup.
"I think what's clear is—I mean, us as humans, I guess—we're really stuck in our ways," he said. "I've been driving a certain style, in a certain way, with the same team for such a long time.
"I've moved to a new car, and it requires such a different driving style and settings. I'm using engine braking, which we never, ever used in my previous years. Much different brakes—I'm on Brembos now, and I've been on CIs for the last 15 years or so."
Setup Experimentation Still in Progress
Hamilton also highlighted the contrast in approach between himself and teammate Charles Leclerc, who he feels maintains more consistency throughout the weekend.
"I think what's clear is that Charles starts with a setup and he stays with it pretty much all weekend," Hamilton explained. "I was a long way away from him last weekend, and this weekend just before qualifying I got close to him—but then all the settings were all off.
"I've got to make it easier for myself. I'm just doing it all the hard way at the moment."
Positive Signs as Hamilton Eyes Bigger Gains
Despite the ups and downs, Hamilton believes he’s finally cracked the code on how to handle the SF-25.
"I think I've figured out how the car likes to drive, so hopefully, if I can apply that next week—if I can qualify better—I can have a much better weekend. I know I can, and I will."
He wrapped up with a hopeful note:
"If I can qualify better—I can have a much better weekend. So, we’ll see."