Lewis Hamilton Looks “Energised” as Ferrari SF-25 Impresses in Bahrain Testing

Formula 1 fans have been eagerly awaiting Lewis Hamilton’s first real test with Ferrari, and early impressions from the 2025 pre-season testing in Bahrain suggest that the seven-time World Champion is already making a strong impact. Despite encountering minor issues with understeer, Hamilton has shown an energised and determined approach to adapting to his new SF-25, according to expert analysis. 

Lewis Hamilton has looked “energised” in his first laps with the Ferrari SF-25 despite a minor off in F1 2025 pre-season testing in Bahrain. That is the claim of F1 analyst Alex Brundle, the son of Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle, who says the opening day of testing is effectively “the first time” Hamilton has been able to push the limits of his new Ferrari.

Hamilton’s First Real Test in the Ferrari SF-25

After a historic switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, Hamilton is finally getting a chance to push the limits of his new machinery. Prior to Bahrain, his experience with Ferrari was limited to private test sessions at Fiorano and tire testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. While these sessions were crucial for familiarizing himself with the team, Bahrain marks the first time he is truly able to unleash the SF-25 in a competitive environment.

According to Alex Brundle, son of Sky F1’s Martin Brundle, Hamilton’s initial testing performance has already revealed valuable insights. While speaking during the live television coverage of the testing session, Brundle shared his thoughts:

“How great is it to see Lewis Hamilton pounding round in a Ferrari? He looks energised. He’s looked energised all the way through the off-season.”

Despite a minor off-track moment at Turn 11, Brundle highlighted that Hamilton appears to be in great spirits, fully engaged with his new car and eager to make adjustments.

Understanding the SF-25’s Performance: Understeer & Stability

Hamilton’s first major challenge with Ferrari appears to be managing understeer. This was evident in his wide moment at Turn 11, where he went slightly off the racing line before recovering. According to Brundle, this issue could be a combination of the car’s characteristics and track conditions:

“He’s been off already at Turn 11. He’s got a bit of a tailwind on his way in here and he’s routinely slightly wide of the apex at Turn 11.”

Despite this, the Ferrari SF-25 has been described as “stable through the exit”, meaning that while Hamilton is still adjusting to the car’s handling, it is not overly unpredictable. This is a key takeaway, as it indicates Ferrari’s engineers have developed a car that is fundamentally well-balanced but still requires fine-tuning to match Hamilton’s driving style.

Brundle also noted that Ferrari’s new front suspension setup presents an additional learning curve for Hamilton:

“An entirely new front suspension setup for Hamilton and everything that goes with that will take all of his experience to get his head around this year.”

This change means that Hamilton must recalibrate his driving approach, as Ferrari’s mechanical philosophy differs significantly from what he was accustomed to at Mercedes.

Why Bahrain Testing Is Crucial for Ferrari and Hamilton

Unlike Fiorano, where Hamilton had limited mileage on a narrow and bumpy circuit, Bahrain offers a true test of the car’s potential. The desert conditions, high-speed corners, and varied braking zones allow Ferrari to collect valuable data on the SF-25’s strengths and weaknesses.

Brundle emphasized how limited pre-season running can impact a driver’s ability to fully understand a new car:

“A couple of 100ks round Fiorano is not going to give you a feel for it. It’s narrow, it’s bumpy, and you just don’t get enough mileage.”

Given the minimal time before the season officially begins, Hamilton and Ferrari must maximize these three days of testing to ensure they enter the first race weekend with strong confidence in their setup.

The Significance of Hamilton’s Adaptation to Ferrari

Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari is one of the most anticipated storylines of the 2025 F1 season. While he is a seasoned veteran, adjusting to a new team, new car, and new engineering philosophy always comes with challenges. However, early signs suggest that Hamilton is fully committed to making this partnership work.

Brundle expressed his excitement about Hamilton’s potential with Ferrari:

“It’s going to be fascinating to see an entirely motivated and energised Lewis move that car forward through these three days and then into the beginning of this season. I really can’t wait.”

A motivated and confident Hamilton spells trouble for Ferrari’s rivals, as his racecraft, experience, and determination have proven to be game-changers throughout his career.

What’s Next for Ferrari in Pre-Season Testing?

Ferrari’s testing schedule remains unconfirmed, but it is expected that Hamilton will continue alternating sessions with Charles Leclerc over the next two days. This will allow both drivers to provide detailed feedback on the SF-25’s performance under different conditions.

Hamilton is set to hand over the car to Leclerc for the evening session, but his performance so far has already provided Ferrari with valuable insights into how they can further optimize their 2025 challenger.

Conclusion: A Promising Start for Hamilton and Ferrari

Although it’s still early days, Hamilton’s first official outing with Ferrari in Bahrain has left a strong impression. While he is still adjusting to the SF-25’s handling and new suspension, his energy and focus indicate that he is ready to fight for victories this season.

With two more days of pre-season testing, Ferrari and Hamilton have a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their car setup before the first Grand Prix of 2025. If Hamilton’s initial pace and enthusiasm are anything to go by, Ferrari could be in for a strong season. 

As Hamilton embarks on his new chapter with Ferrari, all eyes will be on how he adapts to the SF-25 and how the team can maximize its potential. While early testing suggests promising signs, the real test will come when the competitive season begins. His drive, motivation, and championship experience could be the defining factors in Ferrari’s quest for success in 2025. If Hamilton’s energy and commitment are any indications, fans are in for an electrifying season filled with fierce competition and dramatic moments. Will this be the year Ferrari finally reclaims its dominance? Time will tell, but one thing is certain—Hamilton is ready for the challenge.