When Lewis Hamilton Will Find His Momentum With Ferrari’s F1 Car And What Challenges He’s Facing?

The 2025 Formula 1 season kicked off with an exhilarating race in Australia, where Lando Norris triumphed over Max Verstappen in an action-packed Australian Grand Prix. However, it wasn’t just Norris’ victory that grabbed headlines; the race also marked a challenging debut for Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari, as he finished in 10th place. The race featured unpredictable weather, numerous crashes, and three safety car deployments, creating a thrilling spectacle for fans around the world.

McLaren’s Racing Philosophy: A Balanced Approach

One of the most talked-about topics after the race was McLaren’s approach to managing their two talented drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Both drivers were given the freedom to race, but team orders were enforced to protect the team’s interests, particularly when weather conditions and tire wear became factors during the race. Team principal Andrea Stella explained that the drivers were instructed to hold their positions temporarily to allow for a safer passage through backmarkers and to assess the weather conditions. After the situation stabilized, both drivers were once again allowed to race. Norris eventually extended his lead after Piastri made a mistake, proving that managing pace under tricky conditions was crucial.

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Learning Curve

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has already proven to be a learning curve. While his vast experience and skill are undeniable, it’s clear that adjusting to Ferrari’s car and systems takes time. Hamilton himself acknowledged the challenge, stating that he was still building his understanding of the car’s behavior and how to get the best performance out of it. His journey with Ferrari is still in its early stages, and it will take some time for him to match the pace of his teammate, Charles Leclerc. Given Leclerc’s speed, Hamilton knows that catching up won’t be easy, but he remains optimistic about his prospects.

The Struggle of the Second Red Bull Seat

The second Red Bull seat has been a point of contention for several seasons. Max Verstappen’s dominance has cast a long shadow, and it seems that Red Bull struggles to find a suitable teammate who can both support Verstappen’s title bid and contribute effectively to the team’s success. Sergio Perez’s recent performance has been criticized, leading Red Bull to give rookie Liam Lawson a shot. However, Lawson’s debut in Melbourne showed just how difficult it is to fill the seat behind Verstappen, a challenge made harder by the car’s unique characteristics.

Can a Rookie Still Challenge for the Title?

The notion that a rookie can challenge for the title has become increasingly rare in modern F1. However, it’s not entirely impossible. Lewis Hamilton’s debut season in 2007 with McLaren proved that a well-prepared rookie can fight for the championship. More recently, Fernando Alonso’s strong performance in his first season with Aston Martin in 2023 showed that, given the right circumstances, a new driver can still be competitive. In 2025, many are questioning whether a driver like Hamilton, with his wealth of experience, can still challenge for the title with Ferrari, or if the complexities of modern F1 make it harder than ever.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the teams and drivers adapt, with thrilling battles likely to unfold on every circuit.