Ferrari standout Lewis Hamilton sends clear message to his team ahead of Saudi Arabia GP 2025

The green flag is about to drop at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and one of Formula 1’s all-time greats is turning heads in a new uniform. Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, has shown flashes of promise as he works to get the most out of his new car this season.

Teaming up with Charles Leclerc, Hamilton is doing everything he can to adapt to a car designed to bring Ferrari back into title contention. However, through four races, the seven-time world champion has yet to make a decisive impact, prompting questions from fans and analysts alike.

Hamilton’s transition hasn’t been as smooth as his first seasons with McLaren or Mercedes. Ahead of the Saudi Arabian GP, he didn’t hide his frustration when discussing the challenges he’s faced adjusting to the new ride.

Asked about what it would take to feel comfortable behind the wheel, Hamilton didn’t hold back: “I’ll need a brain transplant to drive this car,” he said. The brutally honest remark reflects his ongoing struggle, as Ferrari’s start to the 2025 season has been anything but ideal.

Hamilton reflects on qualifying struggles

After a frustrating qualifying session on Saturday, Hamilton will start the Grand Prix from seventh on the grid. While that was the best result he could manage under the circumstances, the seven-time world champion admitted he wasn’t entirely satisfied, though he acknowledged it as a small victory following a difficult weekend.

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“I’d been nowhere all weekend, 13th, I think, in almost every session, so, honestly, I feel grateful to have made it to Q3 and qualified P7,” Hamilton said. “Not a spectacular last lap, but I’ve been making progress throughout the weekend. I needed a better lap at the end, but, as I said, I’m just grateful to be there. Still plenty of time to come.”

Hamilton sets realistic expectations for race day

With expectations running high, especially among Ferrari fans, heading into the race in Jeddah, Hamilton acknowledged the challenges ahead and his current struggle to find rhythm with the car. “Praying, more like! Trying to bond with this car on a single lap is something that I am finding very difficult at the moment,” he said.

“But we don’t give up. When there’s a will, there’s a way. We keep pushing, keep trying. I’ve got some amazing support, so we just keep working hard,” Hamilton added. With that mindset, both Hamilton and the Ferrari team are hoping for a strong performance when the lights go out on Sunday.