Lewis Hamilton wary 'time running out' after poor Ferrari start

Lewis Hamilton has agreed that time "really is" running out for Ferrari this season, before it switches its full focus to the new power unit regulations next year. 

It has been close to a disastrous start to the campaign for Ferrari and Hamilton, whose biggest achievement so far in 2025 is his sprint pole and sprint win in China. 

Ferrari has comfortably been the slowest of the 'big four', with the Maranello-based outfit having suffered an embarrassing double Q2 exit in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. 

The Italian team are throwing upgrades at the SF-25, yet it remains a challenge for both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. 

A huge concern for the seven-time world champion was that he felt good in the car in Imola, yet still found himself unable to progress to Q3 in qualifying. 

Ferrari has insisted it will get to grips with whatever is holding back its performance; however, the point of the year is approaching when teams will start to switch full focus to next year. 

Failure to switch focus to 2026 at the right time could be hugely costly, meaning Ferrari do not have all season to improve its current package. 

Hamilton is very aware of this, but is insistent that his maiden Ferrari season is about becoming settled in the team.

"It really is," agreed Hamilton, when put by RacingNews365 that time is running out before Ferrari focus solely on 2026. 

"I think this is at least from my side, this is a foundation building year. Getting to grips with everything within the team, making changes that are needed in order to help the team navigate to success long-term. 

"That's stuff that I'm focused on in the background. And there's a lot of improvements we can make across the board, as well as building a faster car. I have all the faith and belief we can do it."