Lewis Hamilton is no stranger to overcoming adversity in Formula 1. The 2025 Miami Grand Prix put his adaptability and determination to the test yet again. Now representing Ferrari, Hamilton’s pursuit of glory faced fresh challenges as the iconic team encountered tough competition and car limitations on American soil.

Miami GP Qualifying: A Difficult Session for Lewis Hamilton

At the Miami GP, qualifying proved to be a struggle for both Ferrari drivers. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, finished only 12th. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, managed 8th but still lagged behind rival teams. Hamilton admitted Ferrari had fallen behind even Williams on “pure pace,” a situation that highlighted the team's technical challenges.

Hamilton stated, "On pure pace, we were outqualified by Williams. We need some upgrades, we need some improvements. We've got lots of things that need to be better." His honest assessment mirrored the feelings across the Scuderia garage, echoing sentiments shared by Leclerc after a tough session (source).

Ferrari’s Technical Challenges Exposed

The Miami circuit’s characteristics, especially its low-speed corners, should have catered to Ferrari’s strengths. Instead, both Hamilton and Leclerc struggled to extract performance. Attempts to unlock more speed through setup changes brought little reward, according to race analysts (see analysis). Upgrades to the car, including a new floor introduced earlier in the season, have yet to yield the expected gains.

Hamilton highlighted the unfamiliarity with Ferrari’s systems, particularly the braking setup, as another hurdle. In Miami, his qualifying result did not reflect the effort put in or his relative pace next to Leclerc. Strategy played a role in the Sprint race, helping him finish third. But without raw speed, a strong qualifying in the main event was always going to be tough.

Charles Leclerc's Setback Before the Sprint

Hamilton’s Miami weekend wasn’t the only story. Charles Leclerc’s dramatic pre-Sprint crash in wet conditions set the tone for Ferrari’s misfortunes (watch the incident). While Leclerc managed to recover and participate in qualifying later, the crash illustrated how quickly conditions can turn against a driver—and team—at the top level.

What’s Next for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari?

Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari is still unfolding. The need for technical upgrades is clear, as both drivers maximize what little performance the car currently offers. For a driver of Hamilton’s pedigree, these moments test resilience. His experience and feedback may prove crucial as the team works to close the gap to front-runners.

Both fans and pundits will be watching Hamilton’s next moves closely. Ferrari’s response in upcoming races could define their 2025 campaign. As always, Lewis Hamilton’s journey remains one of Formula 1’s most compelling stories.

Conclusion

Lewis Hamilton’s Miami GP experience was a stark reminder that even legends can struggle when the equipment falls short. Ferrari’s challenges were laid bare, but with ongoing development and Hamilton’s relentless drive, the team’s fortunes could shift. For now, all eyes are on how Ferrari and Hamilton respond to this new test.