“I'm adjusting”: Lewis Hamilton embraces Ferrari challenge, vows stronger performances ahead after Bahrain P5 finish

Lewis Hamilton , now settling into life at Ferrari , is optimistic about turning a new page after an encouraging fifth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion admitted he’s still adapting to Ferrari’s unique demands but expressed confidence in his ability to rise through the ranks as the season progresses.

Lewis Hamilton learning fast as Ferrari's form begins to take shape


The 2025 Formula 1 campaign hasn't provided the smoothest of beginnings for Lewis Hamilton, but the 40-year-old Brit remains unfazed. His fifth-place finish in Bahrain was his best Grand Prix since moving to Ferrari and came on the back of his sprint win in China.

Although the outcome is not yet indicative of his championship-winning credentials, Lewis Hamilton identifies evidence of improvement and definition in what must change. With Ferrari choosing a strategy that is divergent from Mercedes and McLaren, Lewis Hamilton was able to close the gap on race day, even starting ninth on the grid.

Hamilton is, though, 52 points behind Lando Norris in the championship after four races, and although that gap is large, the Ferrari driver feels the breakthrough is imminent.

“I’ve been driving a certain style and way for a long time with the same team; a new car has new systems… This car requires a different driving style; I’m adjusting to that, slowly getting into that,” Hamilton said, referring to his decade-long stint with Mercedes.

The Ferrari package has given hints of promise, but is still inconsistent against the likes of Oscar Piastri, who won in Bahrain. Hamilton further stated, “I was a long way away from Charles [Leclerc] last weekend and this weekend… I’ve got to do a better job; I know I can and I will.”

Charles Leclerc demands more speed as Ferrari continues to lag behind front-runners

Hamilton's teammate Charles Leclerc shared the same view that Ferrari must pick up the pace, but was harsher in his critique after finishing fourth. “We are just not fast enough; that’s the summary. We don’t have that pace in the car; Mercedes were a bit better in degradation. The pace was just not there, it’s very disappointing when you do everything quite well, but it’s P4. Leclerc said after a podium place was lost late in the race,” Leclerc said.

Hamilton, on the other hand, is optimistic that an improved qualifying performance in Saudi Arabia can lead to a better finish. “If I qualify better, I can have a much better weekend,” he said.

Jeddah awaits as Ferrari seeks to end Asian triple-header on a high

The Formula 1 circuit now travels to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for round five of the season—the last stop in the Asian triple-header. While Ferrari continues to fine-tune its car's performance, both Hamilton and Leclerc will be keen to turn potential into podiums.

Also read: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc disqualified from Chinese GP as Ferrari’s technical woes continue

With Hamilton's experience and a clear intention to adapt and Leclerc's yearning for more speed, Ferrari fans may be in for a change of fortune in the rest of the season. One thing is sure: the passion both drivers burn with is as intense as ever.