Lewis Hamilton responded cautiously when asked about Ferrari’s potential resurgence in 2026, stating that only time will reveal whether the legendary Italian team will take action based on his feedback regarding the SF-25’s performance.
At the forefront of the grid, Max Verstappen’s seventh victory of the season set the stage for three drivers to contend for the world championship title in Abu Dhabi. For Hamilton, a seven-time F1 champion, the Qatar Grand Prix added to his list of forgettable races in 2025.
Hamilton’s weekend was marred by early setbacks, with back-to-back exits in Q1 during both sprint and Grand Prix qualifying sessions. His 12th-place finish on Sunday mirrored teammate Charles Leclerc’s struggle, who only managed to secure four points due to retirements of Isack Hadjar and Pierre Gasly.
The British driver has now endured four consecutive races without a top-seven finish, paralleling Ferrari’s decline in form. With Verstappen’s string of nine podium finishes, Ferrari is now resigned to a fourth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship.
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Reflecting on the Grand Prix in a post-race interview with Sky Sports F1, Hamilton expressed his mixed feelings about the race, noting that he made some progress during the first lap before facing challenges with the safety car. Looking ahead to the new technical regulations in 2026, Hamilton acknowledged the difficulties of the current season and expressed hope that improvements based on his feedback would be implemented for future success.
Meanwhile, Leclerc admitted his eagerness to move on from the SF-25 and his recent struggles, aiming to end the season positively in Abu Dhabi. He emphasized the importance of finishing on a high note and looking forward to a fresh start in the upcoming year after a challenging season.