Lewis Hamilton has highlighted qualifying performance as Ferrari’s main weakness in the 2025 Formula 1 season so far. Despite showing strong race pace, Ferrari has often struggled to secure optimal starting positions on the grid, particularly when compared to rivals like Red Bull and McLaren. Speaking ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton emphasized the importance of one-lap speed at the tight street circuit, where overtaking is notoriously difficult.
“Qualifying is everything in Monaco,” Hamilton said. “And right now, it’s clear that’s been our Achilles’ heel. The team knows it, and we’ve been working flat-out to try and understand where we’re falling short.”
Ferrari’s SF-25 car has shown impressive balance and tire management during races, often allowing the drivers to gain positions or maintain competitive pace. However, in qualifying trim, the car has struggled to extract maximum performance from the tires quickly—a critical factor on Saturdays.
Hamilton revealed that Ferrari will experiment with “some ideas” during practice in Monaco in hopes of improving their one-lap speed. “We’ve got a few things we’re going to try—nothing drastic, but enough to maybe give us that extra edge in qualifying. Monaco is the one place where you need to nail it on Saturday, so it’s worth the risk.”
The team is expected to trial changes in setup and possibly a modified run plan aimed at better tire preparation and engine deployment. Both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will be under pressure to deliver strong qualifying results, especially on Leclerc’s home turf.
If Ferrari can overcome their Saturday struggles, they could emerge as serious contenders not only for podiums but also for race wins, particularly on circuits like Monaco where track position is king.