Ferrari set their sights on redemption with the SF-25 after a disappointing start to the Formula 1 season, arriving in Suzuka trailing McLaren by 61 points. The Italian team’s struggles worsened with a disastrous double disqualification in China, an incident that former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo reportedly described as “horrifying.”
The controversial exclusion of both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc from the Chinese Grand Prix results has been labeled the “biggest disgrace” in Ferrari’s history by ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. Leclerc was disqualified for his car being underweight, while Hamilton suffered the same fate due to excessive skid-block wear on his SF-25.
Hamilton Responds: ‘We Take Responsibility and Move Forward’
With pressure mounting ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Hamilton has finally addressed the controversy, delivering a composed yet firm response to the fallout from China.
“Look, obviously, it’s frustrating when you put in the work and then things like this happen,” Hamilton stated. “But at the end of the day, we’re a team. We win together, we lose together, and we learn together. I’ve been in this sport long enough to know that setbacks happen, and it’s how you respond that really defines you.”
The seven-time world champion continued: “Of course, I understand why the fans and the team feel disappointed, but we’re not here to dwell on the past. We’ve looked at what went wrong, we’ve addressed it internally, and now it’s about moving forward.”
When asked about Ecclestone and di Montezemolo’s comments, Hamilton remained diplomatic but firm: “People are entitled to their opinions, and I respect that. Ferrari has a rich history in this sport, and emotions run high when things don’t go as planned. But calling it the biggest disgrace? I think that’s a bit exaggerated. We’ve had tougher moments, and we’ve bounced back before. This is no different.”
Ferrari’s Redemption Mission in Suzuka
Ferrari enters the Japanese Grand Prix with added scrutiny, seeking to regain momentum in a season that has so far failed to meet expectations. Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur emphasized the importance of refocusing: “Mistakes were made, but we have full confidence in our drivers and engineers. Suzuka is a track that rewards precision and consistency, and that’s where our focus is now.”
Despite the setback, Hamilton remains optimistic: “I love racing in Japan. The fans are incredible, the track is legendary, and I know we have the potential to fight at the front. The championship is long, and there’s still a lot to play for.”
With Ferrari desperate to turn the tide and Hamilton eager to prove a point, all eyes will be on Suzuka this weekend as the battle for redemption unfolds on one of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits.