F1 Star Raises Concerns as Ferrari Struggles with One-Lap Pace Ahead of Iconic Street Race
As the Formula 1 world shifts its focus to the glamorous yet grueling streets of Monte Carlo, Lewis Hamilton has sounded a cautious note about Ferrari’s prospects at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion, now racing in Ferrari red, admitted the team’s ongoing qualifying struggles could be their Achilles’ heel on a track where grid position is everything.
In a frank pre-race assessment, Hamilton declared, “It’s going to be a difficult weekend,” warning that Ferrari’s lack of one-lap performance could seriously hinder their chances on a circuit infamous for its lack of overtaking opportunities.
Qualifying Crucial in Monaco – And Ferrari’s Big Weakness
With its tight corners, unforgiving barriers, and almost zero margin for error, Monaco rewards precision and punishes hesitation. Overtaking is nearly impossible without strategic brilliance or weather chaos, making qualifying arguably the most important session of the weekend.
That’s where Ferrari’s recent form raises alarm. Despite flashes of brilliance, the SF-25 has struggled to deliver top-tier performance in qualifying—a fact Hamilton openly acknowledged.
“Monaco is all about qualifying, and we’ve been lacking in that department,” Hamilton said during the Thursday media briefings. “We’re going to need something extra to really compete here.”
His teammate, Charles Leclerc, a native of Monaco and a fan favorite, also conceded that the team needs a breakthrough to be competitive on home turf.
Team Ferrari Feeling the Pressure
Team Principal Fred Vasseur echoed the drivers’ sentiments, admitting that Ferrari’s shortfall in one-lap pace has become a recurring theme in 2025. While the car has shown competitive race pace, it’s Saturday performances that have kept them off the front row too often this season.
“We’ve seen decent long-run speed, but in Monaco, that won’t matter much if we’re starting from the third row or lower,” Vasseur said. “We must fix qualifying—fast.”
Ferrari’s engineers have reportedly been working on setup tweaks specifically for Monaco, optimizing the car’s downforce and mechanical grip in an attempt to close the gap to rivals like Red Bull and McLaren.
Hamilton’s Monaco Legacy and Ferrari’s Challenge
Hamilton knows how to win at Monaco. A three-time winner at the iconic venue, he understands better than most what it takes to triumph in the principality. But his current team hasn’t won here since Sebastian Vettel’s victory in 2017, and even then, the win was clouded by in-team strategy drama.
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari was met with optimism and fanfare, but the team still has work to do to consistently challenge for pole positions and race wins. Monaco, with all its history and unpredictability, could be a turning point—or a brutal reality check.
Red Bull and McLaren Loom as Major Threats
As Ferrari battles to fix its weaknesses, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris arrive in Monaco with momentum. Both have shown strong qualifying pace this season, and Verstappen’s past Monaco wins place him as a clear favorite.
However, Monte Carlo has a history of upsets, crashes, and wet-weather chaos, giving teams like Ferrari hope that strategy or circumstance could tip the scales.
What to Watch This Weekend
With the spotlight firmly on Hamilton and Leclerc, and Ferrari under the microscope, here’s what fans should keep an eye on:
- Qualifying session on Saturday: Ferrari’s make-or-break moment. A front-row lockout could swing the weekend in their favor.
- Weather conditions: Rain could shuffle the grid and provide opportunities for bold strategy calls.
- Hamilton vs Leclerc: How Ferrari manages its two top-tier drivers in Leclerc’s home race will be fascinating to watch.
Conclusion: A Defining Weekend for Ferrari and Hamilton
As one of the most prestigious races on the F1 calendar, the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix is about more than just points—it’s about pride, precision, and proving you belong at the top. For Lewis Hamilton, it’s another chapter in a storied career. For Ferrari, it’s a test of whether they can overcome their flaws and deliver under pressure.
Hamilton’s warning sets the tone: Monaco won’t be easy. But in Formula 1, the hardest-fought victories are often the sweetest.
