Key Highlights
- Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc struggled in Sprint Qualifying at the Sao Paulo GP.
- Hamilton qualified 11th for Saturday’s shortened race after failing to complete his final flying lap.
- Leclerc was eighth, finishing behind both Aston Martins in SQ3.
- Ferrari’s disappointing performance halted momentum built from recent encouraging displays.
Ferrari Struggles at Sao Paulo GP
Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc faced significant challenges during the Sprint Qualifying session of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on November 8, 2025. The performance marked a setback for Ferrari’s campaign in this year’s Formula 1 season.
Hamilton’s Disqualification
After Hamilton failed to complete his final flying lap in time, he ended up 11th for Saturday’s shortened race. In an interview with Sky Sports F1, Hamilton expressed frustration, stating: “The team thought we were a lot faster than we are. I gave it everything. Ultimately, what matters most is that we’re just not quick enough.” This statement reflects the current predicament of Ferrari in terms of performance.
Leclerc’s Troubles
Leclerc was fortunate to advance to the final part of the session despite his SQ2 spin. He finished eighth, behind both Aston Martins. Leclerc admitted that he “was not happy with the car and had little confidence in Ferrari’s ability to significantly improve after Saturday’s Sprint.” This sentiment underscores the team’s struggles.
Analysis from Martin Brundle
Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle offered an analysis, saying: “The most difficult thing I heard there was Charles Leclerc saying that the car felt quite good. When the car feels quite good and you’re slow, you’re in double trouble.” This comment highlights the complexity of Ferrari’s situation, where a well-performing car does not translate into competitive results.
Challenges and Implications
The challenging nature of the car had already been evident during practice when Hamilton spun off the track. Sky Sports F1’s Jamie Chadwick echoed concerns: “That car clearly isn’t working. Every time there’s a replay of a Ferrari, you know that it’s either having a moment or looping around.” This statement reflects the broader issues faced by the team.
Given the significant setbacks at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Ferrari faces the challenge of improving their performance for future races in the 2025 Formula 1 season. The team must now focus on identifying and addressing the underlying issues to regain competitiveness.
