Lewis Hamilton believes he has now figured out how to drive the 2025 Ferrari Formula 1 car after an impressive drive to fifth place at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, Afrosport reports.
The seven-time world champion finished one place behind teammate Charles Leclerc as their Ferrari came alive in the middle part of the race on the medium tyre.
Hamilton was able to get past former title rival Max Verstappen and also current championship leader Lando Norris for a brief period when the safety car came out.
The 40-year-old was happy with the car for the first time this season, and thanked the team on the team radio after crossing the chequered flag.
“I’ve got to make it easier for myself,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1. “I am doing it the hard way at the moment.
“I will try next week to start in a better place and not deviate from that too much.
“As I said, I think I’ve figured out how the car likes to drive so hopefully I can apply that next week. If I can qualify better I can have a much better weekend.”
The former Mercedes driver added: “I have been driving a certain style and certain way with the same team for such a long time. I have moved to a new car and it requires such a different driving style and settings.
“I am using engine braking which we never ever used in the previous years. Much different brakes. I am on brembos and I have been on CIs for the last 15 years or so. This car requires a much, much different driving style. I am adjusting to that. I think I am slowly getting it into my head. Getting the balance right.
“What’s clear is that Charles starts with a setup and stays with it pretty much all weekend, and I was a long, long way away from him last weekend and this weekend. Just before qualifying I got close to him but then all the settings were alloff. I’ve got to do a better job through the weekend. I know I can and I will.”
“A couple of places within a couple of corners”
The Ferraris were flying at the middle stage of the race
#F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/5tSAGlJxTk
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 14, 2025
Hamilton will hope to put in a strong performance for Ferrari when the F1 paddock heads to Jeddah this weekend for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
