Hamilton Urges Ferrari to Change After 'Challenging' Season

Lewis Hamilton has revealed he has "so many notes" for Ferrari to "improve on" after a dismal Qatar Grand Prix weekend. Hamilton was eliminated in Sprint Qualifying and regular Qualifying before finishing 12th in the Grand Prix – his joint-worst position of the season. The seven-time world champion stated the car felt like a "fight like you couldn't believe," as he looks set to conclude his first campaign in red without a podium, a streak he has maintained since joining F1 in 2007.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's decision to halt car development early in the season, combined with Hamilton's candid feedback, highlights the psychological and performance challenges facing the team. As they prepare for a future with a seven-time world champion, addressing these fundamental issues will be crucial for Ferrari to return to championship contention and effectively utilize Hamilton's experience.

The Details:

• Hamilton's Frustration: Hamilton described the season as his "most challenging year both in and out of the car" and emphasized having numerous notes for improvements. He expressed hope that Ferrari would act on these suggestions.
• Team Principal's Response: Frederic Vasseur acknowledged Hamilton's frustration, seeing it as a "positive reaction" to a tough race. He stressed the team's need to improve.
• Development Halt Impact: Vasseur admitted he "underestimated" the psychological toll of stopping car development in April. This decision, made when championship hopes faded, left drivers and team members facing many races without aero upgrades.
• Qatar Struggles: Vasseur attributed Ferrari's poor performance in Qatar to the track layout and conditions, rather than a sudden change in car pace. He noted that the car was the same as two weeks prior, suggesting setup challenges were key.
• Narrow Performance Window: Vasseur explained that the F1 field is incredibly tight, meaning even a small setup error can result in a significant drop in grid position. He cited Max Verstappen's Q1 exit in Sao Paulo as an example.

What's next:

Ferrari faces a critical period to integrate Hamilton's feedback and strategize for future seasons, especially with the 2025 regulations on the horizon. Resolving the identified issues and leveraging Hamilton's extensive experience will be paramount if the Scuderia aims to mount a serious title challenge. The psychological impact of early development halts must also be managed, ensuring team morale remains high as they push for a competitive comeback. The final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, will offer one last chance for Ferrari to gather data and finish on a positive note.