Ferrari’s Rebirth: Hamilton’s Monza Masterclass

Monza is a track where speed, precision, and strategy come together to create some of the most thrilling moments in Formula 1 history. For Ferrari, the 2025 Italian Grand Prix was supposed to be another chance to test their limits, a pivotal moment to regain competitiveness. With seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in the cockpit, the expectation was high, but few could have predicted the stunning performance he would deliver during the race weekend.

This was not just another race. It was a demonstration of what Ferrari’s potential could look like when its car, combined with Hamilton’s immense driving talent, operates at its peak. The whispers of Ferrari’s rebirth were not merely about improvements on paper but a tangible shift in confidence and execution.

The Arrival of Hamilton at Ferrari

When Lewis Hamilton made the switch to Ferrari, many viewed it as a shift in the balance of power in Formula 1. The Italian team, which had seen many highs and lows over the years, was hoping that the presence of the legendary British driver would help them find the edge they so desperately needed to compete with the dominant Red Bull team and Max Verstappen. Yet, even as Hamilton adjusted to the Ferrari SF25, questions remained about whether he could lead the team back to championship contention.

Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari marked a new chapter not only for him but for the team itself. Despite a stellar 2024 season with Mercedes, where Hamilton showed his legendary skills, his switch to Ferrari raised the stakes, especially for the Scuderia’s internal hierarchy. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s long-time star, was now faced with the pressure of sharing a garage with arguably the greatest driver the sport has ever seen.

The most immediate challenge for Ferrari was adapting the SF25 to meet the high demands of Monza, a track known for its blistering speeds and intricate strategy. Coming into the weekend, Ferrari’s simulations suggested that they might still lag behind Red Bull and McLaren by a few tenths per lap. The SF25 had struggled with rear end instability, particularly on low downforce setups—something that had caused problems in previous races.

However, when Hamilton took to the track during practice, the telemetry told a different story. For the first time this season, Hamilton was able to extract every ounce of potential from the SF25, showing a remarkable improvement in rear-end stability through Lesmo 2. At Monza, the car, usually a weakness for Ferrari, suddenly looked like a weapon. The improvements were not limited to just the car’s performance—they were also about Hamilton’s driving style and his comfort with the car’s new setup. This was a Hamilton reborn.

The Practice Sessions: A New Level of Consistency

Hamilton’s lap times were astonishing. Through every session, he showed consistency and control that were almost unheard of for Ferrari at Monza. The combination of the new ultra-low drag rear wing and subtle suspension tweaks made a huge difference. For the first time all season, Ferrari engineers saw rear axle temperatures stabilize, staying within 5° of each other, a feat that had been elusive in earlier races.

As the laps rolled on, Hamilton’s consistency stood out. Unlike previous weekends where Ferrari’s car had shown signs of instability, the SF25 seemed locked into a predictable rhythm. With every lap, Hamilton felt more in control, pushing the car’s limits without ever exceeding them. This wasn’t just about fast laps; it was about managing the car’s behavior over long periods, something that had been Ferrari’s Achilles’ heel.

Leclerc, typically Ferrari’s one-lap specialist, quietly acknowledged the precision Hamilton was achieving. His own performance paled in comparison as he struggled with rear instability and inconsistent lap times. For Ferrari, this subtle shift in the internal hierarchy was evident, even if it hadn’t fully crystallized yet.

Hamilton’s ability to push the SF25 to its limits allowed him to not only gain an edge in terms of raw speed but also control the car in a way that unlocked an entirely new approach to the race. It was no longer just about surviving the track; it was about seizing the opportunity to dominate.

Qualifying: A Statement of Intent

Ferrari’s true test came during qualifying. Despite a five-place grid penalty following his race in Zanvort, Hamilton delivered a lap that sent shockwaves through the paddock. The lap was mesmerizing: precise, calculated, and blisteringly fast. Through sectors 2 and 3, Hamilton displayed a level of mastery that left the crowd and his team in awe.

He set the fastest Ferrari lap at Monza since the hybrid era began, crossing the line with a 1 minute 20.112 second lap. The performance was staggering. Yet, because of the penalty, he would start from sixth. In a race where every position matters, this was a cruel paradox—Hamilton was the fastest man on the track, but he would have to carve through the grid to have a chance at victory.

Ferrari’s dilemma was clear: should they sacrifice qualifying performance for race day optimization, or should they use the momentum from Hamilton’s pole lap to challenge for the win? Ultimately, Hamilton’s confidence pushed Ferrari to take a more aggressive approach, but the strategy choices would soon have massive consequences for the race itself.

Race Day: The Strategic Dilemma

The race presented Ferrari with a dilemma they couldn’t ignore: how to balance Hamilton’s newfound pace with the team’s internal politics and track position. Charles Leclerc, starting on the front row, was tasked with defending his position and maintaining track position. Meanwhile, Hamilton, with his incredible long-run pace, was ready to disrupt.

From the start, Hamilton showed why he had been so confident in practice. By lap 2, he had already moved up to fourth position. His pace was eye-opening—faster than both Red Bull and McLaren, even while battling through traffic. The telemetry confirmed what everyone already knew: Hamilton was on a mission, and nothing could stop him.

But Ferrari’s strategic decisions began to play a crucial role in shaping the race. As Max Verstappen pitted early, Ferrari hesitated to react. The team’s choice to pit Leclerc first instead of Hamilton meant that they lost track position to Red Bull. Despite Hamilton’s superior pace, the decision to protect Leclerc’s pride instead of betting on Hamilton’s strength ultimately cost Ferrari their advantage.

The early pit stop mistakes, combined with Ferrari’s hesitation to commit fully to Hamilton’s pace, left the team scrambling. Despite Hamilton’s flawless driving and a strong showing on track, Ferrari had already given away critical positions. As the race unfolded, Hamilton continued to close the gap to Verstappen, but it was clear that the damage had been done. Ferrari’s internal politics had come to the forefront at the worst possible time.

The Aftermath: What’s Next for Ferrari?

Hamilton’s performance at Monza demonstrated the potential Ferrari had been looking for, but the team’s internal politics, and the hesitations surrounding their strategy calls, had cost them victory. As the race wound down, Hamilton, despite his exceptional pace, could not claw back enough ground. The team’s earlier mistakes meant that even though Hamilton was the fastest driver on the track, he couldn’t close the gap to Verstappen in time.

This result will likely have lasting implications for Ferrari. Hamilton’s influence on the team is undeniable, but the internal power struggle between him and Leclerc—combined with Ferrari’s strategic missteps—will continue to affect the team’s trajectory for the rest of the season.

In the aftermath of Monza, Ferrari is at a crossroads. The internal dynamics between Hamilton and Leclerc are shifting. While Leclerc remains the team’s long-term project, Hamilton’s presence and leadership have given him a level of influence that could reshape the future of the Scuderia. Whether Ferrari can capitalize on Hamilton’s strengths and avoid making the same strategic errors again will be key to their hopes for the rest of the season.

One thing is clear: if Ferrari can overcome their internal challenges, with Hamilton at the helm, they could be a force to reckon with in the 2025 Formula 1 season.