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Lewis Hamilton Finds Redemption at Bahrain Grand Prix
Following a challenging qualifying session at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton showcased remarkable resilience by steering his Ferrari from ninth on the grid to a commendable fifth-place finish. Meanwhile, teammate Charles Leclerc transitioned from a second-place start to secure a fourth-place finish.
This result marked a significant recovery for Hamilton, representing possibly the best outcome in a race that saw no retirements ahead of him.
The seven-time world champion expressed newfound optimism, remarking that he had gained valuable insights into the car’s dynamics and the necessary adjustments to enhance his performance. “As humans, we tend to become set in our ways,” Hamilton explained during an interview with Sky Sports F1. “Transitioning to a new car has required a shift in driving style and settings.”
Hamilton elaborated on his adaptation process, noting the differences he experienced with the car’s braking system. “I’ve been utilizing engine braking, which was unheard of in my previous cars. With Brembos now in use, the braking mechanics are quite different compared to the Carbone Industrie systems I’ve relied on for the last 15 years. This has necessitated a complete reevaluation of my driving approach.”
He acknowledged the gap in performance between himself and Leclerc at the start of the weekend but expressed determination to improve. “Charles tends to keep his setup consistent throughout the weekend, whereas I found myself struggling in comparison. I need to optimize my settings and approach throughout the event and aim to qualify better moving forward.”
Hamilton’s commitment to simplifying his process was evident, emphasizing the need to streamline his performance strategy. “Currently, I’m taking the harder path. I aim to identify the car’s preferences more accurately next week so I can qualify more effectively and, consequently, enjoy a smoother race weekend.”
The technicalities of the brake system may seem trivial but understanding the nuances of braking is crucial for any driver. It encompasses muscle memory and sensation, particularly regarding the bite point and the overall response of the brakes, as well as the feel of impending lock-ups.
During the race, Hamilton and Leclerc adopted a different strategy than their competitors, starting on medium tyres against the softs favored by others in the top ten. Leclerc initially slipped two positions at the start, losing out to George Russell and Lando Norris, while Hamilton maintained his ninth position before overtaking Carlos Sainz’s Williams for eighth place. Hamilton’s strategy proved effective as he reclaimed positions after a strong performance, even passing Yuki Tsunoda and Max Verstappen within a few laps.
Further, both Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Pierre Gasly, who had a better starting position than Hamilton, were adversely affected by pitting just before a safety car was deployed. After the restart, Hamilton briefly engaged in a battle with Norris but was able to consolidate his position without facing significant threats from rivals, allowing him to continue refining his understanding of Ferrari’s handling characteristics.
Despite the progress made, Hamilton recognized a pressing need to enhance his qualifying performance, understanding that even slight discrepancies in lap times can have substantial implications on grid positions due to the competitiveness of the field.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur addressed the ongoing adjustments in a post-race briefing, acknowledging the challenges of acclimating Hamilton to his new environment. “You can’t replace 12 years of experience overnight,” he stated. “Improvements are essential, not just for us but for everyone in the paddock. It’s encouraging to see Lewis adopting a mindset focused on self-improvement and adaptation to the vehicle.”
Vasseur emphasized the collaborative nature of Hamilton’s integration into the team and the critical need for both the driver and the car to evolve in tandem. He further noted the increased stakes in qualifying, highlighting that even the smallest performance gaps now translate into significant positional losses.”
As the season progresses, Hamilton’s adaptability and Ferrari’s responsiveness to his feedback will be key factors in shaping their competitive trajectory.
Source
www.autosport.com