Hamilton calls for Ferrari upgrades after disappointing Miami GP qualifying

Lewis Hamilton Calls for Ferrari Upgrades After Disappointing Miami Qualifying

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has emphasized that Ferrari is in need of vital upgrades following a challenging qualifying session at the Miami Grand Prix, where he found himself in a disappointing 12th position. The result marks the first time Hamilton has failed to advance to Q3 since joining the Italian team.

Hamilton's struggles contrasted sharply with a promising third-place finish earlier in the day during the sprint race — a result achieved through strategic brilliance rather than raw speed.

"Obviously mixed emotions," Hamilton said following the events on Saturday. "A good, decent result, but it wasn't pure pace; it was a good call in the strategy. But on pure pace, we didn't have it in the race.

"I was one of the first to arrive here [at the circuit] this morning to make sure we took the right steps through the day, but it didn't make any difference [to the result]."

Ferrari Struggles Against Williams

Hamilton's Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, managed to secure eighth on the grid for Sunday's race. However, both Ferrari drivers found themselves outpaced by Williams' duo, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon.

"On pure pace, I mean we were outqualified by the Williams," Hamilton acknowledged, praising the rival team’s performance. "James [Vowles, Williams team principal] and his team are doing an amazing job, but on pure pace, that's where we are."

Calls for Immediate Upgrades

The Briton was candid about Ferrari's shortcomings, calling for immediate improvements to the car that could elevate its competitiveness in upcoming races. "We are where we are. We need some upgrades, we need some improvements. We've got lots of things that need to be better."

Hamilton reflected on a missed opportunity to improve his qualifying result, admitting that he should have opted for a fresh set of tires in Q2 — a decision that ultimately worked in Leclerc’s favor. Despite this, both drivers were constrained by the car’s limitations on the Miami circuit.

Leclerc Frustrated with Ferrari's Performance

For Leclerc, who endured a chaotic day after crashing on his lap to the grid in the sprint race, Ferrari’s performance left much to be desired. While he managed to take part in qualifying, the Monegasque driver was still unsatisfied with the car's capabilities.

"It is frustrating," Leclerc admitted. “But to be honest, this weekend, what’s probably even more frustrating is that I feel we are maximizing the potential of the car.

"It's just that the potential of the car is not there. And when I finish a lap, again today in qualifying, I feel very satisfied with my lap, but it's only bringing us whatever it is, P8 or something."

Track Conditions Highlight Ferrari’s Weaknesses

Leclerc believes that the Miami track’s characteristics further expose Ferrari’s weaknesses, especially in low-speed corners where their package lacks the necessary pace.

"I think a track like this also highlights our weaknesses,” Leclerc said. “There's a lot of low-speed corners, and both Williams are in front of us, and I consider my lap a good one. So, I think it's pretty easy to understand where we are lacking."

Ferrari’s Uphill Battle

Hamilton and Leclerc's post-qualifying comments underline the uphill battle Ferrari currently faces if they are to compete with the likes of Williams and reestablish themselves as contenders at the front of the grid. As Formula 1 heads into the heart of the season, the pressure is firmly on the Maranello outfit to deliver much-needed upgrades to a car that currently lacks the pace to challenge even midfield rivals.

Up Next