[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] March 23, 2025; Shanghai, CHINA; Lewis Hamilton during the F1 Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Go Nakamura/Reuters via Imagn Images Go Nakamura/Reuters via Imagn Images

Lewis Hamilton 'Really Sorry' for Qualifying in Bahrain as Ferrari Struggles Continue

Originally posted on F1 on SI | By Nelson Espinal | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 4:43 PM ET

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton once again struggled to perform in qualifying, finishing P9 and starting further back than his teammate for the race on Sunday in Bahrain.

Over the team radio, Hamilton apologized for his performance saying he was "really sorry."

The qualifying session presented an opportunity as both McLaren's Lando Norris and Red Bull's Max Verstappen struggled to perform.

The SF-25 has struggled this season, despite much anticipation for what the car, team, and drivers could produce in 2025.

Due to early season struggles, the team introduced upgrades for the Bahrain Grand Prix, primarily featuring a redesigned floor.

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Hamilton spoke after the session about his qualifying performance, refraining from blaming the car for his results.

| Lewis Hamilton: "Sorry guys. I'm really sorry."#BahrainGP

pic.twitter.com/wZPMRCea3Q
— La Gazzetta Ferrari (@GazzettaFerrari) April 12, 2025

"I'm just not doing a good job on my side, so I've just got to keep improving," he said.

"Clearly the car is good enough, which is good."

Hamilton expressed his feelings about the team as "definitely not a good feeling, for sure," given how much further behind he is in the race compared to his teammate Charles.

As for where Hamilton goes from the poor qualifying heading into the race, he appeared at a loss for words.

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"I really don't know," he said.

"I don't have a lot of answers for you guys."

"It just wasn't good today."

Three races into the season, Hamilton has secured only 15 points for Scuderia, with his highlight being the sprint race victory in China. During the race in China, he faced disqualification,a fate he shared with Leclerc.

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The Ferrari has struggled to make a significant impression this season, consistently delivering only the third or fourth fastest times.

The races have shown little overtaking so far, as car sizes and dirty air have hindered the cars' ability to follow through corners and increased the reliance on qualifying performances.

#BahrainGP | Lewis Hamilton post quali: “The positive, our car clearly is a lot better than what I'm delivering with it. Charles did a great job with it today, so big apologies to the team for not doing the job.”

“I really don't know [what he can rescue tomorrow]. No idea.” pic.twitter.com/p98tQvOaYc
— deni (@fiagirly) April 12, 2025

One of Hamilton's major weaknesses in recent seasons has been his qualifying results, which have placed him at a disadvantage at the start of the season.

The points gap between Hamilton and Leclerc is only five, but it is likely to increase after the Bahrain race. Hamilton still has a chance to gain positions, especially since his race pace is typically strong.

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This article first appeared on F1 on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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