FERRARI UNDER PRESSURE AS LEWIS HAMILTON CALLS FOR URGENT CHANGES TO SF-25 STEERING AND SUSPENSION
With the second half of the season fast approaching, Ferrari is scrambling to bring performance upgrades to the SF-25, hoping to salvage race-winning form. But as Lewis strongly warns, the team cannot afford to carry over these limitations into the 2026 car.
Steering Complaints Date Back To Early In The Season
It turns out Ferrari's steering problems aren't new. Charles Leclerc first raised concerns about the SF-25’s steering feel all the way back at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in April. At that time, his complaint was relatively low-key — a passing comment in the post-race cooldown room. But hindsight has turned that comment into a red flag the team may have overlooked.
During a light-hearted exchange with Oscar Piastri after securing P3 in Jeddah, Leclerc referred to the steering wheel as “so heavy” and lacking proper assistance. At the time, it seemed like a casual observation, but it’s become clear that the issue is far more persistent.
That same problem has now reared its head again, this time with both Leclerc and Lewis voicing frustration after the British Grand Prix. The timing couldn’t be worse, as Ferrari enters a critical part of the 2025 season — with Spa and Monza looming, and Mercedes and McLaren stepping up their development pace.
Lewis Hamilton Speaks Out After Silverstone Struggles
Silverstone 2025 was a bittersweet homecoming for Lewis. The seven-time World Champion, now in his first season in red, had to battle hard for a P4 finish in wet and unpredictable conditions. But it wasn’t just the weather that challenged him — it was the SF-25 itself.
After the race, Lewis didn’t hold back in describing the Ferrari as “the most difficult car” he’s ever driven at Silverstone. That’s a serious statement, coming from someone with 17 previous home Grand Prix appearances.
“It’s only my second time driving in the wet in this car and I can’t even express to you how hard it is,” Lewis said, speaking to media after the race. “It’s not a car that likes those conditions. But there’s lots of data to take from this.”
While Lewis is always professional, it was clear that he was deeply frustrated by how difficult the SF-25 was to handle — particularly the steering behavior and lack of front-end stability in high-speed corners.
Precision And Confidence Lacking In SF-25
Both Lewis and Leclerc noted that the SF-25 doesn’t provide the level of precision they need — especially in fast corners. For drivers of their caliber, that’s a massive problem. Confidence in the front end is everything when you're fighting for tenths of a second.
At a high-speed circuit like Silverstone, where corners like Copse, Maggotts, and Becketts test a car’s aerodynamic balance and steering response, these issues are glaring. For Ferrari, the lack of sharpness and inconsistency in how the car behaves on turn-in is costing precious time — and eroding driver trust.
Lewis summed it up when he said, “There are elements of this car that cannot go into the following year.” That was more than a critique; it was a demand for change.
Ferrari Plans Minor Power Steering Upgrade
Ferrari has heard the complaints — and finally responded. Reports indicate that the Scuderia is working on a small upgrade to the SF-25’s power steering system, aimed at addressing the heavy, imprecise feel. This power steering tweak is expected to debut at the Hungarian Grand Prix, coming just weeks after both drivers flagged the issue in back-to-back feedback sessions.
While it’s not a major overhaul, it’s an important step — especially considering the high temperatures and tight corners of the Hungaroring. A more responsive steering rack could make a noticeable difference in performance and driver comfort.
Still, fans and insiders alike are questioning why it took Ferrari this long to respond, especially after Leclerc’s comments in Saudi Arabia months ago.
Suspension Upgrade Finally Appears At Mugello
Beyond the steering, Ferrari is also finally rolling out its long-awaited rear suspension upgrade. The new design made its first appearance during a filming day at Mugello, ahead of a planned race debut at Spa.
The goal of this rear suspension change is to solve one of the SF-25’s most persistent problems: inconsistent ride height and lack of rear stability. By improving the car's ability to stay balanced through various cornering phases, Ferrari hopes to unlock more of the SF-25’s aerodynamic performance.
This upgrade was originally expected to debut at Silverstone, but delays pushed it back. The team is now banking on it being the final major performance piece added to the current chassis before fully pivoting to the 2026 car.
Project 678: Eyes Already Turning To 2026
Lewis has made it crystal clear — the SF-25, as it stands, is not good enough. And with the massive regulation changes coming in 2026, Ferrari must use the remainder of this season wisely to prepare for what’s next.
Internally, the 2026 project is already underway and codenamed Project 678. Lewis has reportedly asked to be involved in shaping the design of the new car. That should surprise no one — he’s a meticulous competitor who understands not just how to drive a winning car, but how to help build one.
In interviews, Lewis hinted that he may sit down with the engineers responsible for the 2026 concept, offering direct feedback from behind the wheel of the SF-25.
“I might have to sit down with the people that are designing the car for next year,” he said, “because there’s elements of this car that cannot go into the following year.”
It’s a bold but necessary move. Lewis’s experience, combined with his relentless desire to win, makes him one of Ferrari’s most valuable assets as they try to bridge the gap to Red Bull and McLaren.
Ferrari’s Midfield Fears Still Linger
Despite the promise that comes with every Ferrari upgrade, fans remain wary. The Scuderia started the 2025 season with high hopes, but those hopes have slowly eroded with every missed podium and mechanical shortcoming.
With Red Bull still setting the benchmark and McLaren now regularly battling for wins, Ferrari has slipped dangerously close to the midfield fight. Aston Martin and Mercedes continue to hover just behind, ready to pounce if Ferrari continues to falter.
For a team of Ferrari’s stature — and with a driver like Lewis behind the wheel — that is simply not acceptable.
Trust The Process? Lewis Needs Action, Not Promises
Ferrari has promised change before, only to disappoint. But 2025 is different. With a legend like Lewis now part of the family, there’s a sense of urgency that wasn’t always there. Lewis didn’t join Ferrari for nostalgia. He joined to win — and he’s making it clear that he won’t wait around forever.
If the team truly wants to return to championship contention, they must not only fix the SF-25’s flaws, but build a radically better car for 2026. That means learning from every mistake this season and taking Lewis’s feedback seriously.
Can Ferrari Bounce Back In Time?
The coming races will be crucial. The suspension upgrade at Spa and the steering improvement in Hungary will show if Ferrari is capable of course-correcting under pressure. If these upgrades work, Ferrari could still snatch a few victories in the second half of the season. But if they fall short — and Lewis continues to struggle in a car that doesn’t suit his style — 2025 could quickly become a season of missed opportunities.
One thing is clear: Lewis is not here to make up the numbers. He’s here to add another championship to his legendary career — and he needs a car that can deliver.
Ferrari’s next moves could define not just the rest of this season, but the trajectory of their next era in Formula 1.
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