Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari has achieved significant progress, matching his best Formula 1 finish of the 2025 season with a fourth place at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Hamilton praised Ferrari`s operations as `world-class` after securing a season-best fourth in qualifying. He remained positive about his race performance, despite finishing 10 seconds behind teammate Charles Leclerc, who earned his fourth podium of the season.
Ferrari introduced a new floor upgrade for Austria aiming to get closer to the front. In Sunday`s race, only McLaren proved faster, while Mercedes driver George Russell finished more than half a minute behind Hamilton.
“Mega progress for us as a team,” Hamilton commented. “We owe a huge thank you to the factory for bringing the upgrade this weekend.”
He added, “It didn`t look like much on paper, just a small step, but perhaps it had a greater impact on our performance.”
Hamilton concluded, “Being the second fastest team this weekend, not a minute behind McLaren, is a positive sign. I`m definitely happy to score some strong points.”
Looking ahead, Hamilton will feel confident for his home race, the British Grand Prix, where he holds a record nine victories.
The seven-time world champion expressed that he is `really proud` of Ferrari`s efforts at the Red Bull Ring.
“I believe everyone in the team will be happier. The people back at the factory can certainly be proud of their work,” he stated.
He also noted, “Everyone here was definitely much calmer and more methodical this weekend, leading to a better overall output from the team.”
Leclerc: Ferrari Moving in the Right Direction
This year, Ferrari has faced challenges running their car low to the ground because of a rear suspension issue, negatively impacting performance.
Following the disqualification of both Leclerc and Hamilton at the Chinese Grand Prix, the team has focused on designing the car to allow it to run lower without excessive plank wear.
Leclerc`s three podium finishes in the last four races highlight Ferrari`s progress, although they still trail significantly behind McLaren.
Leclerc said, “We are heading in the correct direction. I think the upgrades we brought this weekend helped us reduce the gap slightly.”
He added, “Unfortunately, the gap remains significant. We need to push hard to bring as many upgrades as possible, as quickly as possible, to close that gap.”
Leclerc concluded, “Overall, I think it was a positive weekend. I`m pleased we maximised our current potential; now we need to develop better potential.”
Ferrari aims to repeat last year`s progress, where they significantly developed their car throughout the season and finished only 14 points behind champions McLaren in the Constructors` Championship.
Neither Leclerc nor Hamilton have had a realistic opportunity to win a Grand Prix in 2025 so far, something Leclerc hopes will change.
“For the people back in Maranello, for everyone at the track, and for us drivers, knowing that we can reverse the situation and become competitive again is extremely important for everyone. Winning would be truly wonderful,” he stated.
However, he acknowledged, “By the end of the season, I think it`s highly improbable we can turn the situation around enough to win the Constructors` Championship. The points difference is very large, and I don`t anticipate McLaren suddenly performing poorly.”
He stressed, “We must keep focused, work extremely hard, and learn everything we still can this season.”
