The 2025 Formula 1 season has been challenging for Scuderia Ferrari, whose performance has struggled to meet expectations. Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, the team is unveiling a new upgrade package aimed at reversing their fortunes. Lewis Hamilton, one of Ferrari’s drivers this season, has expressed mixed feelings about the update, signaling cautious optimism amid uncertainty about its impact. The focus keyword in this update is Lewis Hamilton Ferrari upgrade verdict, reflecting his careful appraisal of the team’s latest technical changes.
Current Struggles and Team Standings Highlight Ferrari’s Season
After several races into the 2025 season, Ferrari has faced significant difficulties, with Lewis Hamilton grappling to find consistent results. His teammate Charles Leclerc, in contrast, has secured three podium finishes and maintained six other points-earning races, positioning him fifth in the drivers‘ championship with 104 points. Hamilton trails closely with 79 points, indicating a performance gap within the team. These ongoing challenges prompted Ferrari to launch an upgraded floor for the SF-25 model, intended to improve cornering stability and overall consistency on the track during the Austrian GP weekend.
Details and Expectations of Ferrari’s Upgrade Package
The recent upgrade marks the initial phase of a broader set of improvements planned for Ferrari. According to Autoracer.it, further enhancements will arrive at the upcoming British Grand Prix, focusing on the car’s rear suspension—a known weak point that has hampered performance. The team’s strategy revolves around these technical adjustments to strengthen Ferrari’s competitiveness, particularly supporting Hamilton’s race pace in future events.
Lewis Hamilton’s Measured Reaction to the New Modifications
Lewis Hamilton welcomed the arrival of fresh upgrades but emphasized that the initial feedback has been unusual and unclear. He said,
“Firstly, I am happy that we have an upgrade, it is always exciting to get new pieces on the car,”
highlighting his gratitude toward the team‘s efforts.
However, regarding the data they have gathered so far, Hamilton added,
“So I am really grateful for everyone working hard to bring them, but we don’t really know the actual effect it is going to have.”
He elaborated that the information does not provide the usual clarity about how much the car’s load has changed, stating,
“It’s not the normal information we’re getting of much load you’ve added to the car, it is not necessarily clear, but hopefully it will be a step in the right direction, but I wouldn’t think we’re expecting it to change a huge amount, but fingers crossed it is better.”
Hamilton Looks Beyond Immediate Gains Toward Long-Term Improvement
Despite the cautious stance, Hamilton remains focused on foundational development aimed at future seasons. Speaking to Sky Sports, he remarked,
“I’m focused more on changes in the background, foundation-building stuff that we need to put in place in order to have a better 2026,”
underlining a strategic vision beyond the current season.
He also stressed the value of every upgrade, no matter its size, saying he is thankful for all contributions:
“You always want upgrades so I’m grateful for every little bit, whether it’s a small or big piece.”
However, Hamilton tempered expectations for the Austrian GP itself, noting,
“What I would say is, don’t expect much change. Hopefully tomorrow we’ll find something that we didn’t expect, but again, we don’t really know, so we will find out tomorrow.”
He concluded with optimism about the direction of progress:
“Hopefully it will be a step forward in the right direction, and I think that’s the most important thing, that we are moving forwards.”
Implications for Ferrari’s Performance and Future Prospects
While the immediate impact of the Austrian GP upgrade remains uncertain, Ferrari’s commitment to continuous development reflects a determined effort to address inconsistent results this season. Hamilton’s cautious but hopeful perspective suggests that while significant improvements may not materialize instantly, laying the groundwork for better performance in 2026 is essential to the team’s long-term strategy. Observers and fans will watch closely to see if these incremental changes translate into improved competitiveness during the remainder of the season, especially with the British Grand Prix upgrades planned next.