Lewis Hamilton Assesses Ferrari’s Upgrade Package in Bahrain

Seven-time Formula 1 champion, Lewis Hamilton, has delivered his initial verdict on the upgrades introduced by Ferrari this weekend at the Bahrain International Circuit. The Italian team unveiled its first significant upgrade package for the SF-25, focusing primarily on a new floor design.

Ferrari’s Rocky Start to the Season Despite Hamilton’s Win in China

Despite Hamilton clinching his first win in red during the Chinese sprint race, Ferrari has had a challenging start to the season. Both Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc faced disqualifications from the Chinese Grand Prix – Hamilton due to excessive plank wear, and Leclerc for not meeting minimum weight requirements.

Speaking to the media after the second practice session under the lights of the Bahrain International Circuit, Hamilton appeared more optimistic than before the weekend began. “The upgrade’s definitely working,” he said. “A big thank you to everyone back home who have been working tirelessly on bringing these upgrades.

He continued, acknowledging the effort that goes into such developments. “It’s never an easy thing. There’s a lot of work that goes on in the wind tunnel and a lot of work that goes on fabricating, putting together these floors. It’s just good to see that we’re taking steps forward.

Hamilton expressed hope for further improvements, stating, “We’re trying to extract more from it. I hope that we can make the right steps overnight into tomorrow.” The second practice session, which mimics qualifying conditions, saw Leclerc clock the fourth fastest time and Hamilton the eighth. However, it’s essential to remember that teams often run different setups and programs during practice sessions.

Ferrari Team Principal Addresses Challenging Start to the Season

Team principal Fred Vasseur addressed the team’s challenging start to the year in an interview with F1.com, stating, “I’m used [to it] because the last two years we started like this.” He further added, “For sure it is not ideal and I would prefer to win the first one. But we don’t need to change our approach from last year as we are almost in the same situation, perhaps a bit worse in terms of pace, and the reaction of the team was very, very strong.” Vasseur emphasized the importance of maintaining the same approach, despite the challenging start.