Lewis Hamilton’s long-anticipated Ferrari debut during the 2025 Australian Grand Prix ended in a less-than-stellar 10th place finish. Despite a tumultuous weekend and a challenging race due to unpredictable weather conditions, Hamilton managed to secure a point for his efforts. But does this rocky start to his career with Ferrari hint at troubled times ahead?
In the high-stakes world of F1 racing, a team’s performance can often hinge on the synergy between the driver and his team. And this is where Ferrari and Hamilton faced their first hurdle. Despite a disappointing performance at Albert Park – a track notorious for its unpredictable nature – the seven-time champion demonstrated tenacity by maintaining his position close to teammate Charles Leclerc. However, the unfamiliarity between Hamilton and his new team, coupled with the unexpected weather conditions, made it difficult for the Briton to secure a better finish.
Hamilton himself acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to his new team and car. He told Sky Sports F1 that the car was difficult to handle, particularly in the wet conditions. He also emphasized the need for a different driving style and setup on the steering wheel to accommodate the new power unit. The communication between Hamilton and his new race engineer, Ricardo Adami, also appeared to be in its early stages, indicating a learning period for both.
The relationship between a driver and his race engineer is a critical aspect of F1 racing. Successful partnerships, like Hamilton’s previous alliance with Mercedes’ Peter Bonnington, thrive on mutual understanding and effective communication. In contrast, the novelty of Hamilton’s relationship with Adami was evident during the Australian Grand Prix, a consequence of the limited amount of testing time before the new season. However, Hamilton expressed optimism about their partnership, stating that they were learning about each other and would improve over time.
Another significant challenge that plagued Ferrari was their race strategy. Adami had predicted significant rain in the final quarter of the race, prompting Ferrari to forecast two laps of precipitation, in contrast to the single lap predicted by most other teams. This decision backfired when the heavy rain resulted in Hamilton, Leclerc, and Yuki Tsunoda being the only drivers on slicks at the front of the pack, leaving them vulnerable to those on intermediates.
The resulting chaos saw both McLarens spinning off the track, and Verstappen continuing for a couple of laps before switching tyres. This unfortunate series of events forced Hamilton and Leclerc to the back of the top 10, a decision that was further complicated by crashes involving Gabriel Bortoleto and Liam Lawson.
Despite these setbacks, it would be premature to write off Ferrari’s chances for the season. Hamilton’s Ferrari debut may not have lived up to the hype, but it’s essential to remember that the journey has just begun. The team’s performance should improve over time as Hamilton and Leclerc form a cohesive partnership and adapt to the challenges presented by each race.
In conclusion, while Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari was far from perfect, it’s too early to hit the panic button. Judging the team’s success will require a more comprehensive evaluation, one that comes after a series of races and the formation of a harmonious relationship within the team. For now, Ferrari and its fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead.