Hamilton and Ferrari may accelerate soon - Rene Arnoux

      "Ferrari cannot maintain this level"

      By GMM

      18 March 2025 - 12:09

      Former Ferrari driver Rene Arnoux predicts that Lewis Hamilton and the Maranello-based team will recover from a poor start to the 2025 season in Australia. Following the pre-season excitement, seven-time world champion Hamilton lagged behind Charles Leclerc throughout the weekend, with both drivers struggling to earn even minor points. Bild labeled it a "disastrous debut" for the iconic British racer, while Der Spiegel remarked: "A teenager who took his place (Kimi Antonelli) overshadowed Hamilton."

      At 76, Arnoux commented on Italian radio Rai 1 that he also observed tension on the radio between Hamilton and his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami. "He (Hamilton) lost a bit of enthusiasm, but I understand that," the Frenchman stated. "Naturally, he cannot be happy after this first race, which reveals the level at which you compete. The two McLarens took off like rockets."

      Regarding Ferrari, it is the top team that has notably changed its fundamental concept between the 2024 and 2025 seasons. "They introduced a new suspension, but struggled to find the correct setup for that type of track," Arnoux elaborated. "Both Hamilton and Leclerc faced a car that was quite challenging to handle. It appeared that the two Ferrari drivers had more trouble than anyone else; every time they pressed the throttle, they were sideways."

      Arnoux expressed, "The positive aspect is seeing three or four competitive teams at the beginning of this season. Ferrari cannot remain at this level, and eventually, they will catch up with the others, though I can't say when."

      Concerning 40-year-old Hamilton, Arnoux aligns with those cautioning against underestimating the record holder of 105 grand prix wins. "I realize he is disheartened, but it’s always tough to switch teams," he explained. "There's no longer the chance for private testing, apart from the two or three days each year. This means Hamilton arrived in Melbourne without truly knowing the car and faced it in very tricky conditions. We need to wait four or five races to determine if the car is genuinely competitive. Nevertheless, I definitely noticed a very fast McLaren."