Lewis Hamilton, the legendary Ferrari driver, has announced that he will need to put personal plans on hold this week to tackle his ongoing challenges in the F1 2025 season, especially after a dismal performance at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Since his high-profile transfer from Mercedes, Hamilton has faced a rocky start at Ferrari, with his finishes consistently falling outside the top ranks. In the first five races of the season, he hasn’t been able to break into the top five.

Trouble in Riyadh: A Race to Forget

The struggles worsened in Saudi Arabia, where Hamilton qualified a staggering six tenths slower than his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc. While Leclerc celebrated Ferrari’s first podium of the season with a third-place finish, Hamilton was left trailing behind in seventh, a massive 30.969 seconds off the pace.

"Today was disastrous in terms of pace; I couldn't find any speed at all," Hamilton shared with DAZN Spain, reflecting on the painful race. He lamented, "After today, I need to cancel some plans as I don’t have a week off—I have a work week ahead of me."

Leclerc Voices Concerns and Plans for Improvement

In the wake of their struggles, Leclerc emphasized that qualifying performance remains a critical weakness for Ferrari. The dirty air created by the 2025 cars complicates the ability to recover during the race if the starting position isn’t favorable.

"I will also be at the Maranello factory early this week to focus on improving the car's performance," Leclerc commented, expressing hope that with better qualifying results, they would be in a position to contend for race victories.

Ferrari’s Development Strategy

As per insights from tech editor Matt Somerfield at PlanetF1.com, Ferrari is in the midst of a substantial development push. Their first upgrade debuted at the Bahrain Grand Prix, featuring a revised floor for the SF-25. Continuing this momentum, the team introduced an updated rear wing arrangement in Saudi Arabia.

Looking ahead, fans can expect an even more substantial package for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, where both Hamilton and Leclerc are determined to turn their fortunes around.

With Hamilton’s dedication and Ferrari’s commitment to improvement, the next race promises to be a pivotal moment in their season.