Lewis Hamilton reveals adaptation challenges with Ferrari F1 car

Lewis Hamilton reveals that deep understanding of Ferrari’s car settings remains the key factor behind his inconsistent performance.

The seven-time world champion is still adapting following his move from Mercedes.

These challenges became evident during the Shanghai GP — Hamilton won the sprint race but struggled in the main event. The situation grew more complex when he and Charles Leclerc were disqualified due to technical issues after finishing fifth and sixth.

“It’s a combination of several things, but mainly it’s about car setup. I’m still learning about this car and haven’t tried all available options yet,” Hamilton explained.

The British driver highlighted several specific challenges he faces:

• Never completed a dry-weather race simulation
• First time trying Pirelli’s C2 compound tires
• Missed pre-season testing in Abu Dhabi
• First experience driving Ferrari in wet conditions

Hamilton remains optimistic about his adaptation progress so far—while acknowledging there’s still significant work ahead to perform better in upcoming races.