Ferrari: Hamilton Relationship Better Than Perceived

Ferrari's head of track engineering, Matteo Togninalli, is pushing back against the narrative of a fractured relationship with Lewis Hamilton, insisting their internal dynamic is "extremely positive" and far better than how it's perceived from the outside. He attributes the difficult debut season to the natural challenges of adaptation and the frustration of not having a championship-winning car.

Why it matters:

The partnership between a seven-time world champion and F1's most iconic team is a cornerstone of the sport's future narrative. Public perception of tension can create internal pressure and destabilize a project. Togninalli's comments aim to reset the narrative, focusing on long-term integration ahead of the crucial 2026 regulation change, where both Hamilton and Ferrari hope to challenge for titles.

The details:

• A Major Adjustment: Togninalli emphasized the inherent difficulty in a driver of Hamilton's stature changing teams after 12 years, noting that both sides needed time to adapt to different processes and personnel.
• Frustration from Performance: The core issue stemmed from the SF-25 not being a championship contender. Hamilton's first season without a grand prix podium, coupled with the team's decision to halt development early, fueled frustration for a driver accustomed to winning.
• Internal vs. External Reality: "What you see from the outside is worse than what it is," Togninalli stated. He highlighted the "very, very strong link" already formed with Hamilton after just 10 months, arguing the negative image is a product of on-track results, not a fractured relationship.

What's next:

Togninalli is confident the relationship will naturally improve over time and with better results. The 2026 season represents a fresh start with new regulations that are expected to produce cars more suited to Hamilton's driving style. As Togninalli succinctly put it: "Give him a car that can perform, and you will get results." For both Ferrari and Hamilton, performance remains the ultimate foundation for a successful partnership.