As Lewis Hamilton prepares to don Ferrari red in 2025, the team is already tempering expectations about solving one of the seven-time world champion’s most persistent complaints — poor performance over curbs and bumps.
Despite Ferrari’s high hopes for Hamilton’s arrival, a recent report from La Gazzetta dello Sport reveals that the team has come to terms with a difficult reality: their car’s struggles on rougher tracks might not be fully resolved, even with next year’s major updates.
Hamilton’s Known Weakness
Throughout his career — particularly in recent years with Mercedes — Hamilton has often pointed to his car’s lack of stability over bumpy circuits like Monaco, Baku, or Singapore. It’s a factor that’s visibly affected qualifying and race pace.
Ferrari now admits that even with the 2025 chassis overhaul and Hamilton’s valuable feedback, eliminating this problem entirely may be unrealistic.
> “We are aware that Hamilton has expressed concerns about these characteristics in the past,” a Ferrari source reportedly told the Italian press. “We will do everything to adapt, but we must be honest — some traits may remain.”
The 2025 Gamble
The Maranello-based outfit is already hard at work developing their next-generation car, with Hamilton’s style and preferences in mind. Engineers are focused on improving stability and grip through curbs, but aerodynamic and suspension compromises may limit how far they can go.
> Ferrari’s new technical project “will not be tailored to Hamilton alone,” the report clarifies, but the team is hoping to strike a balance that suits both drivers — including Charles Leclerc, who recently extended his contract.
Bigger Picture: Can Hamilton Win with Ferrari?
While Ferrari’s admission may raise eyebrows, insiders believe Hamilton’s adaptability could still make him a title contender.
“He’s had to drive around problems before — now it’s about how fast Ferrari can give him a car that competes consistently,” one F1 analyst noted.
As 2025 looms, fans will be watching closely: not just for Hamilton’s impact at Ferrari, but to see whether this long-time Achilles’ heel can be managed — if not entirely erased.
