Lewis Hamilton 'Excited' About Ferrari SF-25 Progress at Las Vegas GP

Lewis Hamilton has expressed significant optimism regarding his Ferrari SF-25's performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a stark contrast to some of his struggles earlier in his debut Ferrari season. After the initial practice sessions, Hamilton confirmed he's "happy" with the car's setup and feels minimal changes are needed, expressing excitement for the upcoming qualifying day.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's renewed positivity marks a crucial turning point in his first season with Ferrari. After a challenging year where he often struggled to find synergy with the SF-25, his confidence in the car at a pivotal late-season race like Las Vegas could indicate a breakthrough. This shift is vital for both Hamilton's personal performance and Ferrari's morale as they push to avoid a winless season and build momentum for next year.

The Details:

• Practice Performance: Hamilton finished just inside the top 10 in a disrupted FP2 session, which saw two red flag stoppages due to drain cover issues, preventing many drivers from completing their final flying laps.
• Car Feel: Despite the interruptions, Hamilton reflected, "P1 generally felt good. I just didn’t get a lap in. And then same thing in P2... We improved the car in P2 and I was feeling strong in Sector 1." He added, "I got some good learnings out there, and I’m excited for tomorrow."
• SF-25 Harmony: This positive sentiment is a notable departure from earlier in the season when Hamilton referred to an "alien" driving style required by the SF-25. Since the summer break, his performance has been more aligned with teammate Charles Leclerc.
• Track Conditions: Hamilton described the Las Vegas track as "very, very slippery" initially, but noted it "ramped up quite quick." He also highlighted the "very, very cold" conditions.
• Minimal Changes: A key indicator of his confidence is his declaration: "We probably won’t make many changes tonight, because I’m happy with the car."

The Big Picture:

Hamilton currently sits sixth in the F1 2025 standings, 66 points behind Leclerc. Ferrari, as a team, is aiming to secure a win in one of the remaining three rounds, including Las Vegas, to avoid a winless season. Hamilton's improved comfort with the SF-25 could be a significant factor in their pursuit of that goal, potentially offering a strong close to a challenging season and laying a foundation for future success.

What's next:

Hamilton's declared satisfaction with the SF-25's setup suggests a strong focus on qualifying, where he will aim to translate his newfound confidence into a competitive grid position. His performance in Las Vegas will be closely watched, not just for this season's standings, but as an indicator of his adaptation to the Ferrari machinery heading into the next year.