Lewis Hamilton faces crucial test to save maiden Ferrari season

With 10 races left in the 2025 F1 season, Lewis Hamilton's maiden campaign with Ferrari has been challenging. 

After 14 races, the seven-time world champion has yet to secure a podium and has consistently finished behind his teammate, Charles Leclerc. 

Ahead of F1's return in Zandvoort next weekend, Hamilton finds himself on 109 points, worryingly 42 behind Leclerc.

His difficulties were clear at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he described his own performance as "absolutely useless." Qualifying 12th while Leclerc took pole position marked a low point in a difficult year. 

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged that both he and Hamilton underestimated the adaptation process at Maranello. Despite this, the final 10 races offer Hamilton an opportunity to end his debut season with the Scuderia on a stronger note. 

Improving his results, however, will require some key adjustments. After 12 years with Mercedes, Hamilton's main challenge is adapting to the SF-25 and Ferrari's way of working.

The ground-effect cars, introduced in 2022, seem to conflict with his natural driving style. Hamilton is known for 'V-ing' corners with late, sharp braking. These cars, however, tend to reward a 'U' shape, which involves carrying more speed through the corner. 

What Hamilton must do

To unlock the SF-25's full potential, he may need to adjust techniques developed over his long career, especially what worked for him at Mercedes. This technical challenge has also been mentally demanding. 

His frustration was evident at the Hungaroring. Now 40, Hamilton can draw on the resilience he has shown in past difficult seasons, like in 2011, to refocus for the remainder of the year. 

With Ferrari shifting its development focus to the 2026 car and the new power unit regulations, Hamilton must get the most out of the current package while also preparing for F1's new era.

The path forward involves focusing on Ferrari's strengths. His performance at the Belgian Grand Prix, where he was voted Driver of the Day after starting from the pit lane, showed what is still possible through smart strategy and skilled race craft. 

Hamilton excelled in the early wet conditions at Spa-Francorchamps, before becoming stuck behind Williams' Alex Albon when the circuit had dried and slick tyres were fitted.

A practical approach to the intra-team battle with Leclerc, using his teammate's data as a learning tool, could also help him better understand the SF-25.

With the championship out of reach, setting realistic goals is key. A single podium finish would be a significant achievement, and multiple podiums would signal a strong recovery. 

These final 10 races will show if Hamilton can turn his season around and build a platform for next season. 

In particular, it is a test of his adaptability and persistence in the face of arguably the greatest challenge of his F1 career.