Lewis Hamilton Faces Ferrari Setback: Hydraulic Issue Halts Testing

A hydraulic issue with the Ferrari SF-25 forced the team to curtail Lewis Hamilton’s running on the final day of F1 2025 pre-season testing in Bahrain, according to reports. This incident raised concerns about Ferrari’s reliability ahead of the new season. 

Hamilton’s Testing Session Ends Prematurely

Hamilton split track time with Charles Leclerc on the final day of testing. Leclerc, who completed 66 laps and set the fastest time in the morning session, handed over the car to Hamilton for the afternoon run. The seven-time world champion managed 47 laps, finishing sixth on the timesheets, 0.800 seconds off the pace set by former teammate George Russell in the Mercedes.

During his session, Hamilton was set to complete a full race simulation, but Ferrari unexpectedly called him back to the garage with around 40 minutes remaining. The team later revealed that an anomaly in the telemetry led them to halt Hamilton’s test as a precautionary measure. A report by Italian publication Auto Racer later confirmed that a hydraulic issue was the cause.

What This Means for Ferrari’s Season Prospects

Ferrari has worked extensively on improving the SF-25 for the 2025 season, focusing on better aerodynamics, stability, and power unit reliability. However, this latest issue raises questions about their mechanical durability.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 season has been one of the biggest stories in F1 history. Expectations are high, with fans and analysts hoping to see Ferrari challenge Red Bull and Mercedes. However, mechanical failures during crucial testing phases could indicate ongoing struggles.

Hamilton’s Final Testing Day Cut Short

Hamilton split track time with Charles Leclerc on the last day of testing. Leclerc ran in the morning session, completing 66 laps and setting the fastest time before handing the car over to Hamilton in the afternoon.

The seven-time world champion managed 47 laps before his session was cut short due to an unexpected hydraulic problem. Ferrari decided to pull him from the track as a precautionary measure after noticing an anomaly in telemetry data.

Despite the setback, Hamilton finished sixth on the timesheets, 0.800 seconds behind former Mercedes teammate George Russell, who topped the session in his W16.

Ferrari’s Official Statement

Ferrari later confirmed the issue in a statement to PlanetF1.com, stating:

“As a precaution, we decided to end Hamilton’s session early after spotting an anomaly in the telemetry.”

According to Italian publication Auto Racer, further investigations pointed to a hydraulic system failure as the root cause.

Testing Performance Across Teams

The F1 2025 testing in Bahrain saw Mercedes leading the way with 458 laps completed over three days, while Red Bull ended up at the bottom with just 304 laps.

Hamilton took note of strong performances from rival teams, particularly McLaren and Red Bull, stating:

“McLaren and Red Bull looked very competitive during long runs. It’s difficult to know fuel loads, but they appear strong contenders.”

Hamilton also acknowledged that McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen delivered impressive performances over Days 2 and 3.

Hamilton’s Optimism for the Season

Despite the hydraulic issue, Hamilton expressed cautious optimism about Ferrari’s performance in F1 2025, stating:

“This is the most positive feeling I’ve had in a long time. In the past four years, it was easier to tell where we stood early on, but this season feels different.”

Alex Brundle’s Concerns About SF-25’s Handling

Alex Brundle, son of F1 pundit Martin Brundle, analyzed Hamilton’s testing footage and voiced concerns about Ferrari’s handling characteristics:

“That Ferrari looks difficult to drive. Hamilton struggled with understeer through several corners. The car looked really unsettled, especially with tailwind exits.”

Brundle suggested that Ferrari may have been testing different setups, some of which could have led to poor handling.

Ferrari’s Pre-Season Performance and Reliability Concerns

While Ferrari’s SF-25 has shown flashes of strong pace, reliability concerns continue to be a lingering issue. Hamilton’s first full season with Ferrari is expected to bring intense competition, and resolving these mechanical hiccups will be crucial.

The team has been working tirelessly in Maranello to improve aerodynamic efficiency, as Ferrari aims to challenge Red Bull’s dominance. With the midfield pack growing stronger, Ferrari cannot afford repeated setbacks like this if they are to mount a serious title challenge.

Comparing Hamilton’s Past Testing Performances

Historically, Hamilton has thrived under challenging circumstances. Throughout his career, he has encountered pre-season struggles, only to overcome them when racing begins. His time at Mercedes was filled with such instances, where the team faced difficulties in testing but later delivered a championship-winning car.

For Ferrari, Hamilton’s leadership and experience will be key factors in determining how the team adapts and improves throughout the season. His feedback will be vital in fine-tuning the SF-25’s handling, ensuring it remains competitive across a variety of circuits.

What This Means for Ferrari and Hamilton

The F1 2025 season opener is fast approaching, and Ferrari faces a race against time to resolve the hydraulic issue. While pre-season testing is designed to identify weaknesses, Ferrari will need to ensure that such problems do not carry over into the competitive season.

Hamilton remains one of the most adaptable drivers on the grid, and his determination to extract the maximum potential from the SF-25 will be crucial. If Ferrari can fix the reliability issues and optimize their race strategy, Hamilton may have a genuine shot at competing for his eighth world title.

With Ferrari’s championship hopes resting on both Hamilton and Leclerc, the team’s ability to respond to these early challenges will shape their season trajectory. The Bahrain Grand Prix will serve as the first real test, revealing whether Ferrari can match the likes of Red Bull and McLaren in race conditions.

Can Ferrari Deliver a Title-Winning Car?

Ferrari’s pre-season testing has been a mixed bag. On one hand, they showed strong pace with Leclerc’s fast lap, but on the other, Hamilton’s hydraulic failure and concerns over car stability highlight potential weaknesses.

If Ferrari wants to compete for the 2025 championship, they must ensure that reliability issues don’t derail their season. With Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes all looking competitive, Ferrari must bring their A-game when racing kicks off in Bahrain.