Although Ferrari are second in Formula 1’s constructors’ standings, they might not be for too long given their current form.
Lewis Hamilton is struggling to get to grips with the SF25, and recent upgrades have not cured any of his issues with the car.
Much like Red Bull, Ferrari will fear running an effective one-car operation if their second car continues to struggle for the rest of the season.
Second place in the constructors’ championship could be in danger, and with events such as the Italian Grand Prix approaching, they will need to find some time over the summer break.
Hamilton has been sent an ‘it gets harder’ warning by Damon Hill on the back of his declining results. It seems that some believe his age is finally getting to him.
F1 fans can’t believe what Hamilton was told by Ferrari as they instructed him to lift and coast at the Hungarian Grand Prix in order to make the end of the race. Before that, his pace was already poor.
Photo by Andrea Diodato/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesLewis Hamilton’s Ferrari apology in Hungarian Grand Prix radio message leaves them in tricky position
Hamilton’s biggest ‘problem’ in Hungary was actually created by his team starting him on the hard tyres. It meant he had to run deep into the race and face traffic.
However, he would have expected to find more pace, and his struggles highlighted just where he is currently.
His team will be worried that second place in the constructors’ standings could be seized by one of their rivals if Hamilton’s form fails to pick up.
His post-race message confirms that he, too, is worried about losing points when a better result might have been on the table.
“Really sorry about this weekend, guys. Losing you points,” Hamilton said over the radio post-race.
Stefano Domenicali made a ‘very strong’ Hamilton prediction for the second half of 2025. He thinks he will finally come good, but if he doesn’t, there will be major questions to be asked next year.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton told he’s developed a driving ‘habit’ that might be impossible for Ferrari to fix
Lewis Hamilton equals three-year lull at the Hungarian Grand Prix
Although 12th place marks Hamilton’s first non-score for Ferrari in a race which he has seen the finish in, it also equals his worst result since the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
He also finished 12th at Qatar last year following another miserable weekend, but with Mercedes that time.
The break couldn’t have come at a better time for the seven-time champion, who needs to come back refreshed and ready to go again in four weeks.
The back end of the season can be a brutal stretch. With 10 races in just over 13 weeks, teams and drivers will have their work cut out. Ferrari have a chance to capitalise on their recent upgrades, if they can understand them.