Hamilton and Leclerc Secure Strong Finishes at US GP, Hinting at SF-25's Untapped Potential

Lewis Hamilton believes the United States Grand Prix confirmed “there’s still more potential to unlock in the SF-25” after he and his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc secured third and fourth-place finishes in the race at the Circuit of The Americas. This strong performance, coupled with points from the sprint race, suggests Ferrari is making significant progress as the season nears its close.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's consistent performance at COTA, with both drivers finishing in strong points positions, is a crucial indicator of their progress. It not only boosts their Constructors' Championship hopes but also validates the team's ongoing development efforts for the SF-25. For Hamilton, it signifies his increasing comfort and speed with the new car, a promising sign for his future at Maranello.

The Details:

• Race Performance: Hamilton and Leclerc secured third and fourth places respectively in the main race, adding 27 points to Ferrari's tally.
• Sprint Race Contributions: The duo also collected nine points in Saturday's sprint race, finishing fourth and fifth.
• Hamilton's Perspective: Hamilton described the weekend as "productive" and a "strong result for the team." He noted an encouraging first stint where he battled for third, though closing the gap to the leaders proved difficult after his pitstop.
• SF-25 Potential: Crucially, Hamilton stated the weekend "confirmed there’s still more potential to unlock in the SF-25," indicating room for further improvement from the car.
• Vasseur's Confidence: Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur expressed confidence in Hamilton, stating, "Lewis is back." Vasseur highlighted Hamilton being faster than Leclerc for two-thirds of the weekend, emphasizing the importance of both cars scoring points for the team's championship aspirations.
• Constructor Standings: Ferrari is currently in a tight battle for second place in the Constructors' Championship. After McLaren secured the title, Ferrari sits in third, seven points behind Mercedes and just three points ahead of Red Bull as they head to Mexico City.

What's next:

The strong showing at the US Grand Prix provides Ferrari with significant momentum as they head into the Mexican Grand Prix. With the Constructors' Championship still hotly contested, consistent two-car performances will be paramount. Further unlocking the SF-25's potential, as suggested by Hamilton, could be key to Ferrari's final standing in what has become a fiercely competitive season-end battle.