Lewis Hamilton’s race at the 2025 British Grand Prix was severely impacted by a GPS failure in his Ferrari, which left the team without critical positional data throughout the event. This technical issue disrupted Ferrari’s ability to execute an optimal pit stop strategy, potentially costing Hamilton his first podium finish with the Scuderia.
During the race at Silverstone, Hamilton encountered difficulties in timing his tyre changes due to the absence of reliable GPS information, a key factor in modern Formula 1 race strategy.
Struggles Continue for Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut Season
The seven-time World Champion began his season with Ferrari aiming to bring the team back to the top ranks, yet despite consistent points finishes, Hamilton’s best results have been fourth place at multiple venues including Imola, Austria, and Silverstone. His progress has been steady but frustratingly short of the podium so far.
Hamilton qualified fifth for the British Grand Prix and managed to navigate tricky wet conditions and restart sequences to remain competitive. However, a critical error in pit timing amid drying track circumstances undermined his race pace following his final stop.
Technical Difficulties and Split-Second Decisions on Track
When Hamilton pitted on lap 41 to switch from intermediate to slick tyres, the surface was still damp, leading to a challenging out lap where the driver slid in key corners, losing several seconds. Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, later admitted that the pit stop may have been made one lap too early, which ultimately affected Hamilton’s ability to contest the podium spots.
I think you can say now that it was probably one lap too early, also because that he went straight in Turns 3-4 and lost four or five seconds in these two corners
— Fred Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal
Vasseur emphasized the complex nature of race strategy, where decisions depend heavily on anticipating how conditions will evolve and how rivals act.
I think it was Alonso who pitted before,
he explained, noting that Alonso’s earlier switch to slicks brought a speed advantage in certain sectors compared to those still on intermediates.
It’s the kind of situation that if you want that the others are doing the move before you, it’s always too late. And I think it’s quite easy after the race to say that first pit stop could have been better to stop one lap before; the second pit stop to stop one lap later.
But honestly, on this, when you have to take the decision on the pit wall, it’s a very tricky one, because you always have to be into the anticipation.
Impact of GPS Loss on Race Strategy
The root of the problem lay in a crucial technical failure that deprived Ferrari of live positioning data for Hamilton’s car during the race.
We lost the GPS of Lewis all the race,
Vasseur revealed.
It means that we are completely blind and didn’t know where the car was. It was a difficult one.
This loss was more than a minor setback, as GPS data influences split-second decisions such as when to call a driver to the pits, particularly in changing weather conditions like those present at Silverstone. Teams rely on GPS to gauge whether it’s advantageous to delay or advance pit stops, especially when rain or track drying is involved.
Race Outcome and Future Prospects for Hamilton’s Ferrari
Despite these challenges, Hamilton’s fourth-place finish represents a solid effort given the circumstances, but it remains short of the podium he and Ferrari have been striving for. The driver has openly discussed the difficulties he faces with the current car, particularly in wet weather, signaling his intent to collaborate closely with designers for improvements in the 2026 model.
Hamilton’s perseverance and feedback will be essential as Ferrari aims to refine their package to convert competitive performances into race-winning outcomes moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lewis Hamilton 40 years old?
A. Lewis Hamilton is the first driver aged 40 or older to secure pole position since Nigel Mansell.
Q. Is Lewis Hamilton vegan?
A. Race car driver Lewis Hamilton openly supports veganism. He is also an investor in businesses that focus on plant-based products.
Q. Is Lewis Hamilton still vegan?
A. Interestingly, I’ve actually shed some pounds. This might be because his pizzas don’t have cheese. Hamilton follows a vegan diet and has promoted plant-based eating since 2017.
Q. Who did Lewis Hamilton date for 8 years?
A. Nicole Scherzinger: 2007-2015. Singer Nicole Scherzinger and F1 driver Lewis Hamilton met at the MTV Awards in 2007. They had a rocky relationship that continued until they ended it in 2015.