Hamilton Hails Untapped Potential in Ferrari SF-25 After Crucial US Grand Prix Podium

Austin, Texas – Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has articulated a strong belief that "there’s still more potential to unlock in the SF-25," following a productive weekend for Scuderia Ferrari at the United States Grand Prix. Hamilton secured a third-place finish in the main race at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA), while his teammate Charles Leclerc followed closely in fourth, contributing significantly to Ferrari’s constructors’ championship aspirations. The duo collectively amassed a total of 27 points from the grand prix, complemented by an additional nine points gathered during Saturday’s sprint race.

The weekend in Austin proved to be a pivotal moment for the Maranello-based team, demonstrating a discernible step forward in performance and consistency. In the preceding sprint race, Hamilton and Leclerc finished fourth and fifth, respectively, showcasing a solid, albeit not dominant, pace against their closest rivals. The nine points collected in the sprint were vital, setting a positive tone for the main event on Sunday.

The United States Grand Prix unfolded with strategic complexity, characteristic of the demanding COTA circuit. Hamilton’s performance on Sunday was particularly encouraging for the team. He started strongly, engaging in a spirited battle for a podium position during his initial stint. "It’s been a productive Sunday overall. Today’s race was a strong result for the team and we gained some good points," Hamilton reflected post-race, as quoted by Ferrari. His early race pace hinted at a greater challenge for the front-runners, a sentiment reinforced by his competitive positioning. However, the subsequent pitstop sequence, a critical juncture in any modern F1 race, proved to be a turning point for his pursuit of the top two. "My first stint was encouraging, and I was in the fight for third, but after my pitstop the gap to the top three became too difficult to close," he explained, indicating the fine margins that define success at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Charles Leclerc’s fourth-place finish underscored the team’s collective strength and strategic execution. While he didn’t quite reach the podium, his consistent pace and ability to maintain position against a competitive field ensured a crucial double-points finish for Ferrari. The combined efforts of both drivers solidified Ferrari’s position in the Constructors’ Championship battle, an objective that has gained heightened importance in the latter half of the season.

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For Hamilton, the 2025 season marks a significant chapter in his illustrious career, having made the high-profile switch to Ferrari after a remarkable 12-year tenure with Mercedes. This transition has naturally involved a period of adjustment, as the seven-time champion acclimates to a new car philosophy, different operational procedures, and a fresh team dynamic. The SF-25, Ferrari’s challenger for the season, presents its own unique characteristics, requiring Hamilton to adapt his driving style and provide specific feedback for development. Early in the season, there were periods where Hamilton openly discussed the challenges of fully mastering the new machinery. However, the performance at COTA, and Hamilton’s confident remarks, suggest a growing synergy between driver and car.

"As a whole, the weekend has been a positive one. It showed the progress we’re making as a team and confirmed there’s still more potential to unlock in the SF-25," Hamilton affirmed, emphasizing the continuous development efforts within the Scuderia. His comments are not merely a reflection on the race result but also a forward-looking statement, hinting at untapped performance reserves within the car that the team is actively working to exploit. This iterative process of understanding, refining, and optimizing is fundamental to success in Formula 1, and Hamilton’s experience and analytical prowess are proving invaluable to Ferrari’s engineering efforts. He also extended his gratitude to the Texan fans, acknowledging their "incredible energy all weekend," highlighting the atmosphere that often fuels driver performance.

The positive outlook from Hamilton was echoed by Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur, who expressed palpable enthusiasm for his star driver’s resurgence. Vasseur, a staunch advocate for a strong two-car attack, declared, "Lewis is back," a statement that carries significant weight in the competitive paddock. This assertion implies a return to the consistent, peak performance levels expected of a driver of Hamilton’s calibre, following what may have been a challenging initial phase of adaptation.

Vasseur elaborated on the importance of having both drivers performing at their best, noting that for "two thirds of the weekend he [Hamilton] was faster than Charles this weekend." This internal competition, or "emulation" as Vasseur termed it, is a vital component of team growth and performance enhancement. "It’s good for the team because we need to have this kind of emulation for everybody. You need to have two cars. For us it’s important, and if we want to maximise the number of points that we’ll score until the end, we have to score with two cars for sure," Vasseur told Sky Sports Germany. This philosophy underscores the strategic imperative of a strong, united front in the Constructors’ Championship, where every point from both drivers contributes to the overall tally. The dynamic between Hamilton and Leclerc, two highly competitive and skilled drivers, is expected to push both individuals and the team as a whole to greater heights.

Ferrari’s strong showing at COTA holds particular significance in the context of the ongoing Constructors’ Championship battle. As it stands, McLaren has already secured the title in Singapore, leaving Ferrari embroiled in a fierce contest for the remaining top positions with Mercedes and Red Bull. Ferrari currently occupies third place in the standings, trailing Mercedes by a mere seven points, and holding a slim three-point advantage over Red Bull in fourth. This incredibly tight three-way fight for second, third, and fourth places adds immense pressure and importance to every single race weekend remaining in the season. The financial implications, prestige, and bragging rights associated with these championship positions are substantial, influencing everything from future sponsorship deals to team morale and development budgets for subsequent seasons.

Looking ahead, the Formula 1 circus now moves to Mexico City for the Mexican Grand Prix at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. This circuit presents its own unique set of challenges, most notably its high altitude. Located over 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level, the thin air significantly impacts engine performance, aerodynamic efficiency, and cooling. Teams must make considerable adjustments to their car setups, often running maximum downforce settings to compensate for the reduced air density, yet still battling for grip and engine power. Historically, some teams and power units perform better than others under these specific conditions. Ferrari will be keen to carry the momentum from COTA into Mexico, further validating the progress they believe they are making with the SF-25. The high-speed sections and complex stadium section of the Mexican circuit will provide another stern test for the car’s balance and overall performance.

With the championship fight intensifying and the SF-25 showing encouraging signs of untapped potential, the remaining races of the season are poised to be a thrilling conclusion to Lewis Hamilton’s inaugural year with Ferrari. The team’s continued development efforts, coupled with the proven prowess of its driver lineup, suggest that Ferrari remains a formidable contender in the pursuit of maximizing its championship standing. The quest to unlock the SF-25’s full potential is not just a technical challenge but a strategic imperative that could define the trajectory of the team in the years to come.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.