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Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton experienced a rare incident during the final practice session ahead of qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix. While pushing on his final run in FP3, the seven-time world champion clipped the barriers on the outside of the Massenet corner, located at the top of the hill, one of Monaco’s trickiest and most unforgiving sections.
Former Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill analyzed the incident and suggested that Hamilton may have been caught off guard by Kimi Antonelli ahead of him, who had just reached the blind crest. A sudden snap of oversteer led to Hamilton brushing the wall—a mistake that could have had more serious consequences on such a narrow and technical circuit.
Fortunately for Hamilton, the impact was relatively minor and did not prevent him from participating in the all-important qualifying session. However, this marked the first time the British driver had crashed a Ferrari during a Grand Prix weekend, a rare occurrence in a career defined by consistency and precision.
Although the British driver had suffered an off-track incident during a private testing session with Ferrari earlier in the year, such moments are few and far between for the second-most experienced driver in Formula 1 history, behind only Fernando Alonso. Despite his vast experience, the Monaco street circuit remains a great leveller, with no room for even the slightest misjudgment.
Hamilton was not alone in his troubles over the weekend. Championship leader Oscar Piastri also made an uncharacteristic error by wedging his McLaren into the wall at Sainte Devote during FP2, underlining just how challenging the Monaco layout continues to be—even for the sport’s brightest talents.
Hamilton Thanks Ferrari Mechanics After Monaco CrashIn the aftermath of the incident, Hamilton’s conduct in the Ferrari garage further solidified his reputation as a true team leader. According to Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz, Lewis Hamilton went out of his way to personally thank every Ferrari mechanic who had worked tirelessly to repair his SF-24 in time for qualifying. He was seen shaking hands and expressing his appreciation for their swift efforts, reinforcing the strong bonds he is building with his new team.
Kravitz reported that Ferrari’s repairs were not limited to just the visibly damaged parts. The team replaced a wide array of components, including a new rear wing, new gearbox, both rear wheel hubs, and even the left-rear suspension—despite it not being visibly compromised. The right-rear suspension, however, was heavily damaged and required immediate attention. Ferrari’s approach reflected a commitment to precaution and performance, ensuring the car was in top shape.
The front end of the car was also refurbished, with a new nose and right-front suspension installed to guarantee reliability and balance. Ted Kravitz highlighted that Hamilton had ample reason to show gratitude, as the final touches on the car were only completed minutes before qualifying began. His calm and appreciative demeanor stood in stark contrast to the high-pressure environment that often surrounds last-minute car repairs in Formula 1.
A Shift in Hamilton’s Mindset at FerrariEarlier in the 2025 season, Lewis Hamilton appeared visibly disheartened after some underwhelming performances. Following a seventh-place finish in Saudi Arabia, he had publicly expressed concerns about how painful the rest of the year might be. It was a moment of uncharacteristic vulnerability for a driver known for his mental strength.
However, signs of a turnaround soon emerged. the former Mercedes man secured a podium finish in the Miami Sprint and delivered his best Grand Prix result of the year at the same venue, injecting fresh momentum into his season. The Monaco Grand Prix weekend began with the Briton sounding notably more optimistic than teammate Charles Leclerc. He spoke positively about the opportunity to drive the scarlet red Ferrari around the fabled streets of Monte Carlo—suggesting a growing connection with the team and its machinery.
Lewis Hamilton has also indicated a need to adopt a more balanced and compassionate approach towards himself. After a series of interviews earlier in the year in which he was intensely self-critical, the Mercedes convert has started to show signs of emotional recalibration. Within the Ferrari camp, this shift in attitude may be resonating well—potentially fostering greater cohesion and positivity within the team as they continue to push toward the front of the grid.
May 25, 2025
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