Lewis Hamilton at Center of Ferrari 'Internal Fight' Claims
Lewis Hamilton is reportedly at the heart of an "internal fight" at Ferrari, with the driver and team clashing over the direction following a challenging start to the F1 2025 season. This claim comes from former Williams and McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who asserts Hamilton's recent candid remarks were not a sign of emotional distress, but a strategic move.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's high-profile move to Ferrari has yet to yield a podium finish in 14 races. His struggles, particularly at the Hungarian Grand Prix where he qualified 12th while teammate Charles Leclerc secured pole, highlight underlying tensions. The seven-time world champion's public comments about feeling "useless" and hinting at internal issues suggest a deep-seated disagreement within the team.
The Details:
- Public Discontent: Hamilton referred to himself as "useless" and suggested Ferrari might consider replacing him after a poor Hungarian GP qualifying session.
- Behind-the-Scenes Issues: He alluded to problems at Maranello, stating, "There’s a lot going on in the background that’s not great."
- Proposed Changes: Hamilton had previously submitted "documents" to Ferrari, proposing car and team structural changes, hoping to emulate a winning culture similar to Mercedes.
- Montoya's Interpretation: Juan Pablo Montoya believes Hamilton's comments are a direct message to Ferrari: "If you’re not going to listen to me, then you might as well take me out and let me go." Montoya argues Ferrari is too rigid in its methods, while Hamilton demands changes to win.
- Ferrari's Stance: Team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged Hamilton's self-critical nature and "extreme" reactions, but suggested Hamilton sometimes "exaggerates" issues with the SF-25 car. Vasseur noted Hamilton's intensity is largely for the press and that he typically calms down in team briefings.
The Context:
Hamilton aims to avoid the fate of other champions like Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, who failed to win titles with Ferrari despite their stature. His push for fundamental changes reflects a desire to implement a results-driven culture, a stark contrast to Ferrari's traditional and politically complex environment.
What's next:
The ongoing dynamic between Hamilton and Ferrari will be crucial as the season progresses. Bridging the gap between Hamilton's winning mentality and Ferrari's entrenched culture will be vital for the team's championship aspirations. Success will depend on whether Ferrari can adapt to Hamilton's proposals or if the internal friction continues to hinder their performance.