The 2025 Season: Ferrari’s Turning Point with Lewis Hamilton

The 2025 Formula 1 season marked a pivotal moment in Ferrari’s history, one that was triggered by an unexpected yet groundbreaking change: Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at the Scuderia. Amidst a season of struggle, inconsistent performance, and increasing pressure, the seven-time World Champion’s keen insight uncovered the fundamental issue plaguing Ferrari’s SF25. His involvement, especially in addressing the SF25’s steering system, was a game-changer. Could this major shift be the key to restoring Ferrari’s winning legacy?

The Quiet Revolution

It all started on a quiet afternoon at Ferrari’s headquarters, a moment that would later be etched in history. Lewis Hamilton, after stepping out of the SF25’s cockpit, removed his gloves, and sent a brief, yet powerful message to the team: “Much better.” This simple phrase, though understated, resonated deeply within the team. There were no fireworks, no grand celebrations—just a shift in the right direction. What appeared as a small technical adjustment to the steering system was, in fact, a philosophical overhaul that could redefine Ferrari’s future in Formula 1.

The underlying issue had been brewing for years. Ferrari’s attempt to adapt the SF25’s steering system to Carlos Sainz’s driving style had inadvertently caused more harm than good. While Sainz preferred a stable and predictable front end, this approach had left a crucial gap—communication between the car and its driver. It wasn’t until Hamilton, with his unmatched experience and intuition, drove the SF25 that this hidden flaw was exposed.

The Steering Problem

It all began in 2022 when Ferrari made a calculated move to tailor the car’s steering system for Carlos Sainz. Known for his consistent and controlled driving style, Sainz demanded a car with a calm and stable front end. Ferrari responded by softening the steering sensitivity and reducing the natural feedback from the front tires. The result was a more composed car, but the downside was clear: the vital connection between the driver and the car’s front tires was lost. While Sainz thrived, the SF25 became increasingly difficult to manage for other drivers, particularly Charles Leclerc, whose performance became more erratic.

However, it wasn’t until Hamilton took the wheel that the real issue became apparent. During a test session at Monza, Hamilton immediately noticed the lack of feedback from the front tires. “No feeling,” he said flatly, voicing what many had not yet fully realized. For a driver who had spent years perfecting his ability to feel the limits of grip, this was a nightmare. To Hamilton, a car without steering feedback was akin to driving blind. This was the warning Ferrari needed to hear.

Addressing the Issue

Hamilton’s feedback was clear: the SF25’s steering system, optimized for Sainz’s preferences, was not up to his standards. As a driver known for his sharp instincts and precise control, Hamilton required a car that communicated directly with him, providing clear and consistent feedback, especially in high-speed corners. Ferrari’s technical team took this feedback seriously and set about addressing the problem.

The team worked tirelessly, dissecting the issue and reworking the steering system. They made several key adjustments, including a complete overhaul of the steering rack, fine-tuning the bushings and dampers to eliminate slack, and reprogramming the electronic override map. This map, based on Hamilton’s extensive telemetry data from his time at Mercedes, was designed not to replicate his previous car but to create a similar sense of confidence and control. The challenge was significant. A car that was too responsive could easily become erratic, especially during high-speed cornering or sudden weight transfers.

Nevertheless, when Hamilton returned to the track, the results were undeniable. The car’s response was sharper, the turn-in more aggressive, and the mid-corner rotation cleaner. Incredibly, the tires also lasted longer. For Ferrari, it was a breakthrough moment. The SF25, previously a car with potential but marred by technical flaws, was now a much more effective and competitive machine.

A Divided Team

However, not everyone was pleased with the changes. Charles Leclerc, while acknowledging an improvement in steering feel, voiced concerns about the car’s balance. The revisions made the car more responsive but also more unpredictable. For Leclerc, whose strength had always been in finding a consistent rhythm, the revised SF25 was a stark contrast to the car he had grown accustomed to.

Leclerc’s concerns sparked an internal debate within Ferrari. On one side, engineers supported Sainz’s more stable and measured approach to car setup. On the other side, a growing faction of the team believed that Hamilton’s more aggressive, responsive setup was the key to unlocking Ferrari’s true potential. This division extended beyond just technical discussions—it was a philosophical conflict about what Ferrari’s car should be and who it should cater to.

As Ferrari’s Team Principal, Fred Vasseur found himself at the heart of this internal conflict. While he supported the changes necessary to close the gap to Red Bull and McLaren, Vasseur’s role was no longer just about improving the car’s performance. He was tasked with managing the growing tensions within the team and ensuring that Ferrari’s identity wasn’t compromised in the process.

A New Beginning

Ferrari’s struggles had been evident throughout the previous seasons. The team had a car with immense potential but lacked the consistency needed to challenge for the championship. Their performance in qualifying had been strong, but the SF25 often faltered during races, especially on technical circuits like Zandvoort and Suzuka, where high-speed corners tested the car’s stability and driver confidence.

The revised steering system, however, made a significant difference. With improvements to the steering rack, hydraulic feedback, and suspension geometry, the SF25 became more predictable. Both Hamilton and Leclerc found a new rhythm, with lap times becoming more consistent and tire wear reduced. Ferrari’s pace was now on par with the best, and they were finally able to challenge Red Bull at the front of the pack. By mid-season, Ferrari had closed the gap in the Constructor’s standings, and the team was only 25 points behind Max Verstappen’s championship lead.

The timing couldn’t have been more crucial. The upcoming 2026 regulations would force teams to lock in their chassis and aerodynamic philosophies early, shaping the design of their cars for years to come. Ferrari, having now rediscovered the importance of steering feedback, was poised to make the right decisions for the future.

The Trust Factor

At the heart of Ferrari’s resurgence lies a simple but profound truth: steering feel is the foundation of everything. No matter how sophisticated a car’s design is, if it doesn’t communicate effectively with the driver, all that potential is wasted on the track. The connection between the driver’s hands and the steering wheel is where true performance begins. With Hamilton’s input, Ferrari rekindled this connection, restoring the trust between car and driver that had been missing for years.

As the 2025 season progresses, Ferrari’s path forward looks promising. With a sharper, more responsive car and a renewed sense of purpose, the Scuderia has positioned itself as a serious contender once again. The SF25 may have been the car that struggled, but it is now the car that has found its way back to victory. With Hamilton’s insight, Ferrari may have not only solved their steering issues but also restored the trust that is so crucial in Formula 1.

In Formula 1, the difference between winning and losing can come down to the smallest of details. In Ferrari’s case, the change in their steering system—instigated by a world champion’s feedback—might just be the key to returning to their former glory. Time will tell, but for now, the Scuderia is on the right track, and the future looks brighter than it has in years.