Lewis Hamilton believes he made significant personal progress at the Dutch Grand Prix, but he remains critical of Ferrari's overall performance deficit. Despite a smoother weekend compared to the challenging Hungarian GP, Hamilton stressed that being 0.6 to 0.7 seconds off the pace is "a huge amount" and unacceptable for Ferrari.
Why it matters
While Hamilton found a better rhythm and comfort in the SF-25, Ferrari's general lack of pace remains a core issue. His blunt assessment highlights the team's ongoing struggle to consistently challenge at the front, even as individual drivers make strides.
The details
- Personal Adjustments: Hamilton revealed he made "tweaks" to his race weekend approach, both before and during the event, leading to a "smoother" experience and improved confidence in the car. He felt this was one of his most "solid couple days" of the year.
- Performance Gap: Despite his personal progress, Hamilton finished qualifying 0.728 seconds behind pole-sitter Oscar Piastri. Teammate Charles Leclerc was 0.678 seconds off, a significant gap for a track like Zandvoort.
- Hungary Contrast: The Dutch GP represents a stark improvement in Hamilton's personal form compared to Hungary, where he was eliminated in Q2 and finished 12th.
- Team Outlook: Hamilton emphasized that Ferrari needs to "find more performance" to close the deficit they've had "all year long." He hopes for better race pace on Sunday.
What's next
Hamilton will start the Dutch Grand Prix from seventh, one spot behind Charles Leclerc. The focus for race day will be on applying pressure and moving forward, though the underlying performance gap remains a key concern for Ferrari.