Valtteri Bottas, former Mercedes driver turned Ferrari racer, sheds light on the challenges Lewis Hamilton is facing at his new team, indicating that adapting to the Ferrari machinery is “not rocket science.” Despite Hamilton’s struggles in the 2025 F1 season, Bottas believes that transitioning between the two powerhouse teams is a manageable task.
Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari has been met with mixed results, with the seven-time World Champion failing to match the pace of his teammate Charles Leclerc. The shift in power units and braking systems seems to have posed a significant hurdle for Hamilton, who was accustomed to the nuances of the Mercedes setup for over a decade.
Having experienced a similar transition himself in 2022, Bottas offers insights into the differences between the Mercedes and Ferrari engines, highlighting variations in power delivery and driving dynamics. He emphasizes the need for adaptability in Formula 1, noting that drivers are constantly learning and evolving to meet the demands of the sport.
Addressing the challenges of switching from Carbon Industrie to Brembo brakes, Bottas reassures that the adjustment was seamless for him, despite the differences in brake warm-up characteristics. While acknowledging the initial advantage that Leclerc may have over Hamilton due to familiarity with the Ferrari machinery, Bottas remains confident that the reigning champion will eventually find his stride.
In a candid interview on the Red Flags podcast, Bottas downplays the complexity of transitioning between teams, attributing his smooth adaptation to the regulatory changes in 2022. As Hamilton grapples with the intricacies of the Ferrari package, Bottas’ perspective offers a glimpse into the world of elite Formula 1 drivers and the constant quest for performance optimization.
