Ferrari Team Principal Responds After Lewis Hamilton Labels SF-25 'Most Difficult Car' at British Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton’s return to Silverstone as a Ferrari driver was packed with drama and candid remarks. The seven-time World Champion described his SF-25 as “the most difficult car I’ve driven here” after battling to a P4 finish at the 2024 British Grand Prix. Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has now responded to Hamilton’s concerns, shedding light on the team’s perspective and strategy moving forward.

Hamilton’s Tough Silverstone Outing

Hamilton narrowly missed out on his first Ferrari podium, finishing just behind Nico Hulkenberg’s Sauber, who impressively surged from the back row to claim his maiden Formula 1 podium. Throughout the race, Hamilton struggled with his Ferrari’s unpredictable handling, particularly in changing weather conditions. He notably described the SF-25 as “very snappy” over the team radio and lamented its tricky behavior through Silverstone’s demanding corners.

“It was unbelievably tricky to drive – the most difficult car I’ve driven here,” Hamilton admitted, highlighting the challenges he faced in both wet and dry phases of the race.

Vasseur: Not Just a Ferrari Problem

When Hamilton’s comments were brought up post-race, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur was quick to inject some perspective:

“I think Max [Verstappen] did the same,” Vasseur noted, referring to Red Bull’s own balance struggles at Silverstone. “It’s very difficult to have a consistent car in these conditions. Everyone is competitive at different parts of the stint, depending on factors like tyre pressure and track evolution.”

Vasseur emphasized that McLaren’s superior consistency has set them apart, but for most teams, maintaining a stable car throughout variable stints remains a major challenge.

A Race of Missed Opportunities and Regrets

While Hamilton equaled his best Ferrari result, teammate Charles Leclerc’s race was compromised from the start. The decision to pit for slick tyres after the formation lap backfired, effectively ending his hopes of a strong finish as early as lap one. Vasseur conceded that the team, like many others, will have regrets about strategy calls in such unpredictable weather.

• Hamilton’s car balance issues: Lack of stability and snap oversteer in mixed conditions
• Leclerc’s strategy mishap: Early switch to slicks cost him valuable positions
• Difficulty overtaking in ‘dirty air’: Both drivers struggled to make passes, limiting progress

Vasseur reflected, “When you finish a race like this, you always wonder if pitting one lap earlier or later could have made the difference. But our focus now turns to qualifying and the championship ahead.”

Looking Ahead: Lessons for Ferrari’s 2026 Car

Hamilton was clear in his post-race debrief: the handling flaws of the SF-25 must be addressed in Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1 challenger. The British GP exposed persistent issues with consistency and predictability – crucial for future title ambitions.

Related Reads from Let’s Talk F1:

• F1 2024: How Ferrari’s Upgrades Compare to Rivals
• Weather and Strategy: How Silverstone Shakes Up the F1 Field
• Is McLaren Now the Benchmark for Consistency?

Final Thoughts

Ferrari’s British Grand Prix weekend was a tale of what might have been. While Hamilton’s candid assessment highlights areas for urgent improvement, Vasseur’s response and the team’s resilience suggest Ferrari remains focused on turning lessons into future success.