Table of Contents
- Lewis Hamilton frustration with Ferrari is worrying
- His Ferrari SF-25 has unresolved technical issues
- The British F1 driver finished P5 at the Bahrain Grand Prix
Last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix exposed the depth of Lewis Hamilton frustration with the Ferrari SF-25.
The British F1 driver finished P5 while fellow Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc finished P4. It was an improvement from his P9 finish at the Japanese Grand Prix.
However, his dream to finish P1 in the last five races of the season have hit a snag. All because of technical issues his SF-25 is grappling with.
What is the Source of Lewis Hamilton Frustration?
Ride height problems remains an unresolved issue for Ferrari so far this season. Mechanically, ride height is defined as the distance between the car’s floor/plank and the ground.
It needs to be optimal since a low or high ride height affects a car’s downforce, which affects stability when cornering at high speed.
For Ferrari’s case, the ride height is affecting the car’s stability during high-speed cornering. The plank has also come off as a result.
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton. Photo/The Sports Rush
Is Ferrari Addressing Ride Height Issues in SF-25?
Both Hamilton and Leclerc have openly spoken about it in the past. Scuderia Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur is also aware, and he has pleaded with his team and fans to remain calm.
Speaking on Tuesday, Vasseur said that everyone who supports Ferrari should stay calm amid the disappointing performance since the season started. He acknowledged Lewis Hamilton frustration with Ferrari after all Saturday’s Qualifying race.
The Frenchman noted that Hamilton was so down on Saturday evening after Qualifying sprints, but he performed exemplary well despite the technical issues with his car on Sunday.
Vasseur termed it a ‘strong recovery’, adding that the race time between P1, P2 and P3 was almost similar to Hamilton’s. According to the Ferrari boss, this was a show of resilience and strength for the 40-year-old Ferrari driver.
Ferrari SF-25 in action. The 2025 model has unresolved technical issues. Photo/ESPN Africa
Although the Ferrari team principal was all praises for the British F1 star, Lewis Hamilton frustration was all about ride height as he stated.
He said that he was ‘disappointed and frustrated’ after Saturday’s Qualifying in Sakhir, Bahrain. The ex-Mercedes driver expressed concern that he remains unable to attain a P1 finish in his first four races of the 2025 season.
He noted that the technical issues with the SF-25 are eroding expectations his fans have in his new role as a Ferrari driver.
In retrospect, Vasseur dismissed this assertion, stating that it’s too early to judge Hamilton’s performance, especially in light of the publicised Lewis Hamilton frustration.
The Ferrari boss insisted that the most important thing for Leclerc and Hamilton is consistency, which they have a stellar record for in the last two seasons.
He also said that his team was looking for a solution towards resolving the technical issues affecting the performance of SF-25.
Why is Optimal Ride Height in F1 Cars Important?
Balanced ride height in F1 cars gives the needed downforce – airflow beneath the car, which keeps it stable on the tracks at high speed. Unbalanced ride height, either too high or too low, leads to instability and loss of grip.
Further, it triggers porpoising (bouncing) – a factor that built caused Lewis Hamilton frustration in 2023 when he raved for Mercedes. It’s caused by fluctuating ground effect forces when the ride height is too low.
Lastly, a balanced ride height means a car’s floor/plank remains intact throughout the race, even at insanely high speeds. In Ferrari’s case, the plank tore off while on the track, a recipe for disqualification and penalty by the FIA.
