Lewis Hamilton Pushes for Key Ferrari SF-25 Adjustments After Initial Testing

Lewis Hamilton has reportedly requested additional modifications to Ferrari’s SF-25 after its initial shakedown at Fiorano, aiming to refine the car ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain. With the Formula 1 2025 season fast approaching, Hamilton is leaving no stone unturned to ensure he has the best possible setup as he transitions from Mercedes to Ferrari. 

Lewis Hamilton is wasting no time making his mark at Ferrari. Fresh off his highly anticipated move from Mercedes, the seven-time World Champion has reportedly requested additional refinements to the Ferrari SF-25 following its initial shakedown at Fiorano. As the Formula 1 world watches closely, Hamilton’s meticulous approach and attention to detail indicate his determination to elevate Ferrari’s performance and challenge for the 2025 title.

With pre-season testing in Bahrain just days away, these adjustments are expected to be implemented swiftly. Ferrari’s engineers are working diligently to ensure Hamilton has a car that meets his exacting standards, particularly as he adapts to the new setup after more than a decade with Mercedes.

Hamilton Calls for Further Tweaks to SF-25

Following the official unveiling of Ferrari’s 2025 F1 contender, the SF-25, at the team’s headquarters in Maranello, the car hit the track at Fiorano for a filming day and initial shakedown. Charles Leclerc had the first stint behind the wheel, completing around 30 laps before Hamilton took over in the afternoon session. The event marked Hamilton’s second on-track experience with a Ferrari after his private test in the team’s 2023 car last month.

Hamilton Seeks Improvements After SF-25 Debut

After Ferrari unveiled the SF-25 at their London season launch, both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton took the car for its first official laps at Fiorano. While Leclerc got things underway in the morning session, Hamilton took over in the afternoon, marking his second major test as a Ferrari driver after his initial run in the 2023 Ferrari machine back in January.

Early feedback from the seven-time world champion suggests that while the SF-25 shows great potential, there are still refinements needed to suit his driving style. Reports from Auto Racer, a respected Italian motorsport publication, indicate that Hamilton has requested adjustments, particularly regarding pedal feel and braking performance.

Brake Adjustments: A Key Focus for Hamilton

One of the biggest differences Hamilton has faced since joining Ferrari is adapting to their braking system. Unlike Mercedes, which uses Carbon Industrie brakes, Ferrari sources its braking materials from Brembo. This change reportedly caused Hamilton to experience a few lock-ups during his first Ferrari test last month, leading to a request for modifications to the pedal response.

Ferrari engineers quickly responded, implementing changes for Hamilton’s second private test in Barcelona. However, this session ended prematurely when Hamilton suffered a minor crash. Speculation arose regarding the cause of the accident, with some suggesting a track bump or unfamiliarity with the Ferrari power unit. Hamilton later addressed the incident, admitting he was simply pushing the car to its limits.

“I’ve enjoyed the testing that we’ve had,” Hamilton said. “I’ve had to find the limits of the car as quickly as possible because I only have a handful of days. And I definitely did that!”

A Different Beast: Hamilton Adjusts to Ferrari’s Unique Characteristics

Transitioning to Ferrari has been a learning curve for Hamilton, who has only driven Mercedes-powered cars since making his F1 debut in 2007. The move to Ferrari’s unique engine and chassis has required a complete reset of his muscle memory, including adapting to a different cockpit layout, steering wheel, and electronic systems.

“It’s completely different. I thought it would be just another Formula 1 car, but the whole thing is completely different from what I’ve worked with before,” Hamilton explained. “The steering wheel, the switches, the software—everything is new.”

Despite these challenges, Hamilton remains optimistic. “The key is to be open-minded and dynamic. Luckily, with my experience, I should be able to adapt.”

Leclerc vs. Hamilton: A New Intra-Team Battle?

Although Hamilton and Leclerc are still in the early stages of working together, Ferrari is optimistic about the duo’s potential. However, early reports suggest Leclerc is currently more comfortable with the SF-25, given his extensive experience with the team’s setup and engineering philosophy. In fact, Hamilton’s lap times at Fiorano were reportedly 0.8 seconds slower than Leclerc’s—though both drivers were running different test programs.

That said, Hamilton is a master of adaptation, and Ferrari expects him to be fully up to speed by the time the season begins in March. With pre-season testing in Bahrain just around the corner, the Ferrari garage will be working tirelessly to implement the latest refinements requested by Hamilton.

Looking Ahead to Pre-Season Testing

With pre-season testing scheduled for February 26-28 in Bahrain, the next few days will be crucial for Ferrari as they fine-tune the SF-25 to meet both drivers’ needs. Hamilton’s feedback will play a key role in finalizing adjustments before the car faces real competitive conditions.

For now, all eyes are on Hamilton’s continued adaptation to Ferrari and how quickly he can bring the SF-25 up to his high standards. Will Ferrari’s latest tweaks help unlock Hamilton’s full potential before the first race of the season? Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the answer.

Ferrari’s Expectations and Testing Ahead

As pre-season testing in Bahrain approaches, Ferrari engineers are working tirelessly to fine-tune the SF-25 based on Hamilton’s feedback. The Scuderia is expected to bring setup refinements, particularly in braking response and handling, to ensure Hamilton feels completely comfortable by the time the season opener arrives.

Ferrari has high hopes that Hamilton’s expertise will push them toward their first F1 title since 2007. While the SF-25 shows promise, only time will tell whether Hamilton’s requests will give him the perfect setup to challenge Red Bull and Mercedes in the upcoming season.

The countdown to the Bahrain Grand Prix is officially underway, and all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari to see if their adjustments will lead to a championship-winning season.