Hamilton Eyes Podium Finish as F1 Season Nears Conclusion
Lewis Hamilton expressed optimism about securing a podium finish in the remaining eight races of the 2025 Formula 1 season. As he heads into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 21, 2025, the seven-time world champion aims to break a streak where he has not finished in the top three as a Ferrari driver. Hamilton has not experienced such a challenging season since his debut in 2007.
After qualifying just one-tenth of a second behind his teammate, Charles Leclerc, in the last two races at Zandvoort and Monza, Hamilton feels a renewed sense of confidence. “A win is a bit far-fetched considering I’ve been sixth, seventh, and eighth for most of the season,” Hamilton remarked. Nevertheless, he remains determined to secure a podium finish for Ferrari, a feat Leclerc has accomplished five times this season.
Hamilton’s comments come as Leclerc highlighted upcoming races in Baku, Singapore, and Las Vegas as critical opportunities for Ferrari to challenge their competitors. McLaren currently leads the Constructors’ Championship and could secure the title this weekend if they outscore Ferrari by at least nine points.
Leclerc, who has an impressive record at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with five consecutive pole positions, remains hopeful. “Baku provides a good opportunity for Ferrari after testing the car in the simulator,” he noted. Despite this optimism, he acknowledged the challenges posed by McLaren and Red Bull, which have demonstrated strong performance throughout the season.
The context of the season has been disappointing for Ferrari, who entered 2025 with high expectations after narrowly missing the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren in 2024. The team is now focused on adapting to new technical regulations set for 2026, which are expected to alter the competitive landscape.
Hamilton, who has struggled this season compared to his teammates, articulated that he does not believe the final races of this season will significantly impact his performance in the following year. “I don’t personally feel like these last races really have much bearing on next year,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of learning and growing with the team, suggesting that the experiences gained this season will provide valuable insights for future competitions.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend is packed with events, including practice sessions and qualifying, leading up to the main race. Fans can look forward to seeing if Hamilton can leverage his newfound optimism and insights as he aims to secure a podium finish for Ferrari in Baku.
