Lewis Hamilton has openly criticized Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 car, calling it “not suited” to the unique demands of the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Despite earning a fifth-place starting position, the seven-time world champion expressed clear dissatisfaction with the SF-25’s handling and overall pace on this circuit.
Addressing the car’s weaknesses, Hamilton revealed that Ferrari’s struggles in low-speed corners were particularly apparent on the stop-and-go layout of the Canadian track. He described the difficulty of maneuvering the SF-25, stating,
“You’re going into low-speed corners and then you’re just waiting and waiting, it doesn’t want to turn. It’s definitely not suited for this circuit.”
Qualifying Results Highlight Disparity Between Teammates
Hamilton secured the best qualifying result among Ferrari drivers for the second race in a row, starting ahead of his teammate Charles Leclerc. However, Leclerc’s final qualifying attempt ended in disappointment after a mistake left him in eighth place on the grid. While both drivers showed promise during practice sessions, they could not translate that speed into Q3 performance, with Hamilton trailing by six-tenths of a second.
Driver Struggles With Tire Performance and Car Setup
Hamilton also voiced his discomfort with the tire compounds available during qualifying, indicating a lack of significant difference in grip levels. Reflecting on the tire situation, he said,
“I wasn’t comfortable on either. Really truthful, both tires felt pretty much the same. Didn’t feel like we were able to get a lot out.”
The challenges in optimizing the car’s setup over the weekend have added to Ferrari’s overall difficulties in adapting the SF-25 to this circuit’s demands.
Looking Ahead: Hamilton’s Strategy and Hopes for the Race
Despite the setbacks, Hamilton remains focused on maximizing his chances during the race, aiming to secure a podium finish. He recognizes the need to adjust his driving approach to match the car’s characteristics and anticipates that strategic tire management could become a deciding factor as the Grand Prix unfolds.
With the pressure rising on Hamilton and Ferrari, the Canadian Grand Prix will test the team’s resilience and tactical acumen on one of the sport’s most challenging circuits. How they respond to these difficulties could significantly influence their performance in the upcoming races of the Formula 1 season.