Latest news with #ScuderiaFerrariFormulaOne
Newsweek
a day ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Lewis Hamilton's Document to Ferrari on 2026 Car Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team has received car-specific preferences from Lewis Hamilton for the 2026 season, when the sport enters a new era of regulations. The seven-time world champion prefers his car's steering and brake pedals to be suited to his driving style, and with Ferrari developing the 2026 challenger, this is the best time to explore those changes. Hamilton has been experiencing a difficult Ferrari debut season as he continues to struggle with his current SF-25 car. One reason for his challenges could be a long 12-year stint with Mercedes, where the car was suited to his requirements, and being with the same team for multiple seasons meant those changes were carried forward. But switching teams meant he received a car that's very different compared to what he was used to. Just 10 rounds remain for the 2025 season to conclude, and Hamilton is yet to finish on the podium, while his teammate Charles Leclerc has finished in the top three positions five times thus far. Hamilton recently admitted that he had been sending documents to his team, suggesting ways Ferrari could improve the current SF-25, but focusing more on how he wants his 2026 car to be built and set up. Italian publication has reported his preferences, beginning with the pedalboard. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari talks to his engineers in the garage during day two of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 27, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari talks to his engineers in the garage during day two of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 27, 2025 in Bahrain, 40-year-old driver's position in the cockpit is crucial for the way he interacts with the controls, especially the pedalboard. On top of this, the Ferrari power unit has a stronger engine braking response than what Hamilton experienced with Mercedes. But with the possibility of limited tweaks on the SF-25, Hamilton has asked for a revision on the 2026 car. Another area that Hamilton intends to modify on the 2026 car is the steering. The new pull-rod suspension on the SF-25 made it sharper in corners, but it gave rise to the problem of understeer. Hamilton's car receives more front-end load in its setup to counter the challenge, but that still hasn't remedied the situation. Thus, he intends to run the car with a mix of different setups. However, the new configurations, involving "bars, shock absorbers with certain stiffnesses and wing" adjustments, work against the SF-25's balance, an area that Ferrari could improve next year. Lastly, the new Ferrari driver also prefers more rear-end stability that complements the front of his car, while Leclerc prefers a consistent front-to-back setup on his car. While the data Ferrari receives from both drivers could be contrasting, given the differences in setups on multiple race weekends, it remains to be seen to what extent Ferrari will go to ensure it offers Hamilton the tools he needs on the 2026 car.
Newsweek
03-08-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Charles Leclerc Loses Hungarian GP After Major Problem on His Ferrari: 'Very Frustrating'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Scuderia Ferrari Formula One driver Charles Leclerc was left frustrated after losing a potential victory to Lando Norris. Leclerc held an impressive lead until he pitted for the second time, losing the chance to secure his maiden victory due to an issue with his Ferrari SF-25. After starting the 70-lap race from pole position, Leclerc managed to keep Oscar Piastri at bay, who put up a strong charge in the first half of the race. Due to significant tire wear, Leclerc adopted a two-stop strategy for the race, switching to the hard compound tire for the final stint. Piastri followed a similar strategy for the last leg. This handed the race lead to Lando Norris, who managed his tires well and helped execute a flawless one-stop race strategy. Soon after pitting, Leclerc was heard venting his frustration at his race engineer about an issue that his team hadn't taken his word for. That caused his pace to drop significantly, leading Piastri and George Russell to overtake him in the closing laps of the race. Leclerc finished the race in P4. Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari walks in the paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 31, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari walks in the paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 31, 2025 in Budapest, the Monegasque driver admitted after the race that the issue he pointed out on the radio did not cause his pace to drop. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 about the problem with the chassis of his SF-25, he said: "I spoke too quickly I guess because getting out of the car I got a few more details about what went on. "I thought it was about something else that we had discussed but unfortunately it was a problem on the chassis. There was an issue on that side so we will look into it for it to not happen again. "It doesn't make me feel any better because when you are fighting for a win and then you have those kind of issues. We need to look at it for it to never happen again as the car was just undriveable." Leclerc was confident that the issue wouldn't occur again. He said: "It was a one-off so it's something we need to look into but I don't think it's something we will have ever again. "It was around lap 40 when we started to have the issue and then it got worse and worse. "It's very frustrating to have everything under control, have the pace in the car to win, and then you are nowhere. We're not even on the podium."
