Lewis Hamilton Reveals Key Ferrari Advantage Over Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton is experiencing major changes after switching from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season. After spending 12 years and winning multiple titles with the Brackley-based squad, Hamilton moved to Maranello, where he is facing one of the biggest adjustments of his career.

The seven-time world champion used only Mercedes engines throughout his career, including his years at McLaren from 2007 to 2012. This switch to Ferrari brings new challenges, as the car’s power unit and handling characteristics are different from anything he has driven before.

Hamilton has been open about his adaptation struggles, especially with the Ferrari SF-25. He identified engine braking as a main area of difficulty.

In his recent comments, Hamilton explained that the cornering behavior, balance, and even the ride height of the Ferrari differ from what he was used to at Mercedes. He noted that while the Mercedes cars he drove were stiff and sat low to maximize downforce, the Ferrari requires a distinct approach in setup and driving style.

“It is hard to explain, it is just the characteristics through the corner, the corner balance, the ride height, a lot is different. The cambers, everything is different, the way the engine behaves, the engine braking, all these things are different,” Hamilton said. He admitted never having to use engine braking at Mercedes, making it a new experience for him.

Despite these challenges, Hamilton mentioned he is enjoying the process of learning and adapting.

Hamilton’s best finish this season so far came at Imola, where he secured fourth place. The adjustment period is expected after more than a decade at one team.

Ferrari’s SF-25 has required him to rethink many details he took for granted at Mercedes. Engine behavior, suspension setup, and responses during cornering are all new variables for him to master.

These factors play a big role in lap time and driver confidence, especially when racing against top drivers like Max Verstappen and George Russell each weekend.

Alongside Hamilton’s adaptation story, recent race weekends have sparked discussions among F1 fans and pundits alike. The recent Spanish Grand Prix saw a significant collision between Max Verstappen and George Russell, making headlines and becoming a hot topic of analysis.

Other news in the paddock includes Daniel Ricciardo receiving strong support for a potential F1 return and updates on the health of F1 legends who have influenced the sport for decades.

As the 2025 Formula 1 season continues, the competition at the top is close. McLaren leads the constructors’ standings with 362 points, thanks to the efforts of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

Ferrari trails with 165 points, with Charles Leclerc and Hamilton sharing the driving duties. Mercedes sits third on 159 points.

In the drivers’ championship, Piastri leads with 186 points, followed by Norris with 176, Verstappen on 137, Russell with 111, Leclerc gathering 94, and Hamilton currently holding 71.

Upcoming races are set for well-known circuits. The Canadian Grand Prix takes place on June 15 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, followed by Austria’s Red Bull Ring on June 29.

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is scheduled for July 6, with Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps on July 27 and Hungary’s Hungaroring on August 3 wrapping up the summer stretch. Each race is important for drivers and teams hoping to gain points and momentum.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks one of the most-watched stories in F1 this season. While new challenges have made his start demanding, his positive attitude suggests he is ready to embrace every aspect of the learning curve.

As Hamilton and Ferrari evolve together, anticipation grows for their next results on track.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.