Hamilton Points to Ferrari's Rear-End Flaw as Core Issue

Lewis Hamilton has re-emphasized that Ferrari's SF-25 is severely hampered by a problematic rear end, a persistent issue preventing the team from securing race victories this season. Despite high expectations for their star-studded lineup, Ferrari continues to struggle, as evidenced by recent lackluster performances.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's inability to resolve the SF-25's rear-end instability is costing them critical performance, preventing them from converting promising starts into race wins. This recurring flaw undermines their championship aspirations and highlights a fundamental engineering challenge that needs immediate attention if they are to compete at the sharp end of the grid.

The Details:

• Rear-End Limitation: Hamilton explicitly stated, "We're currently limited, we're really limited with rear end, compared to the guys who are taking the step and improving their rear." This suggests a critical area where Ferrari is falling behind competitors.
• Season Struggles: Ferrari has yet to secure a race victory in what has been a challenging season. While there have been minor successes, like Hamilton's Sprint win in China and Charles Leclerc's P2 in Monaco, these remain isolated incidents.
• Singapore Performance: The recent Singapore Grand Prix further highlighted their difficulties, with Hamilton battling brake issues and finishing a disappointing eighth.
• Qualifying Challenges: Hamilton has faced multiple difficult qualifying sessions this year, including Q1 exits at Spa and failing to reach Q3 at Imola and Hungary. Although he outqualified Leclerc in Singapore, he believes he needs to push "105% out of the car" just to contend with rivals.
• Ride Height Issues: The team's struggles are reportedly linked to ride height problems, which have consistently impacted their performance throughout the campaign.

The Big Picture:

Pre-season optimism surrounding Hamilton's arrival and a strong driver lineup has largely dissipated as Ferrari struggles to establish itself as a consistent frontrunner. The team is currently perceived by many as the 'fourth force' in F1, a significant step down from their championship-contending ambitions. The ongoing issues with car stability and performance underscore a deeper engineering problem that must be addressed for future success.

What's next:

With six rounds remaining in the season, including races in Austin, Mexico, Qatar, and Brazil, Ferrari faces an uphill battle to improve its standing. Resolving the SF-25's rear-end instability will be crucial for any potential upturn in form. The team will need to meticulously analyze their data and implement significant upgrades to bridge the gap to their rivals and demonstrate progress ahead of the next season.