Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton will understand how much work is required if they want to be in contention to win both Formula 1 championships this season.
The Japanese Grand Prix has previously been a very successful circuit for Lewis Hamilton, having won on four visits to the figure-eight track.
However, Hamilton hasn’t finished on the podium at Suzuka since 2019 and never threatened the likes of Max Verstappen, both McLaren drivers and even his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc throughout the weekend.
There are clearly issues that Ferrari must iron out in the coming weeks and months, otherwise Hamiton’s first season with the team will be a write-off.
A new floor is being brought to Bahrain, but if that doesn’t give Ferrari an immediate boost, then it won’t be long until team principal Fred Vasseur decides to switch focus to the new regulations being introduced to F1 in 2026.
Ferrari updated Hamilton and Leclerc’s suspension in Japan to try and get the most out of the SF-25, but the gap to the front-running cars is too great for any set-up tweak to make a noticeable difference.
However, away from the car, Hamilton is doing everything he can to lift spirits among Ferrari’s staff and fans, including embedding himself within the team’s culture.
READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family
Ferrari staff surprised by Lewis Hamilton’s Italian message at the Japanese Grand Prix
Hamilton hasn’t left a stone unturned in his preparations to get up to speed at Ferrari after leaving Mercedes over the winter break.
During pre-season, Hamilton was doing long hours at Ferrari’s factory, and spent plenty of time in the simulator as well as using up all of his available TPC days.
Hamilton has been attempting to learn Italian, something that isn’t strictly necessary given Ferrari’s Formula 1 outfit communicate in English, but a nice touch that shows how willing he is to put in the effort required to race for the Scuderia.
A report from the Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport has shared more details about the race in Japan.
Taking the positives into the next two weeks 👊 pic.twitter.com/xTzK5ccDY3
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 6, 2025
The report suggests that Hamilton finished the race ‘like a true champion’ with his radio communications after the chequered flag.
When he greeted his mechanics after getting out of the car, he said, ‘Grazie a tutti’, literally meaning, ‘Thank you all.’
The message ‘surprised the entire Scuderia garage’ according to the report from CdS, and after a race weekend where expectations were once again not met, it’s a sign that Hamilton has fully bought into the Ferrari project.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory
Lewis Hamilton’s cryptic ‘deficit’ comment leaves Ferrari searching for answers
Hamilton’s comments after the Japanese Grand Prix have created a little bit of confusion.
The 40-year-old suggested that there was a ‘deficit’ between his side of the garage and Leclerc’s, although it’s not known whether he meant in the set-up of the cars, or the parts being used.
Hamilton’s fans think this is preventing him from unleashing his true pace, but that will only become clear as the season wears on.
| Position | Constructors’ Standings | Points |
| 1 |
McLaren Racing |
111 |
| 2 |
Mercedes-AMG Petronas |
75 |
| 3 |
Red Bull Racing |
61 |
| 4 |
Scuderia Ferrari |
35 |
| 5 |
Williams F1 Team |
19 |
| 6 |
Haas F1 Team |
15 |
| 7 |
Aston Martin F1 Team |
10 |
| 8 |
Racing Bulls |
7 |
| 9 |
Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber |
6 |
| 10 |
Alpine F1 Team |
0 |
Simon Lazenby heard Hamilton was dealing with a fundamental issue in the paddock at Suzuka, which won’t be helping his prospects at this stage.
His car didn’t look easy to drive, with Jacques Villeneuve commenting on how poor Hamilton’s Ferrari looked during the race.
All of these factors have added up to the seven-time world champion being in no position to add an eighth title to his CV at this stage of the season.
