Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has clarified the nature of the documents he's been sending to Ferrari, stating they contain "no orders" but rather suggestions aimed at improving the team's future performance. This comes amidst speculation about his involvement in the Scuderia's strategic direction ahead of his 2025 move.
Why it matters
Hamilton's clarification addresses widespread speculation among F1 fans and pundits who believed his documents might contain directives to prioritize him over teammate Charles Leclerc or dictate car design. His statements emphasize a collaborative approach focused on overall team improvement, especially vital for the significant 2026 regulation changes.
The details
- Hamilton confirmed sending multiple documents to Ferrari throughout the year, including a comprehensive one after the initial races and two more during a recent break.
- These documents are the result of extensive discussions with Ferrari team members, designers, and department heads.
- He described the contents as "just ideas," offering suggestions like, "Hey, if we did this…" or "have we tried this?" aiming to optimize performance.
- Hamilton noted the team's "really responsive" attitude, showing a strong desire to improve.
- Despite his current season with Ferrari yielding only 109 points and a challenging SF-25 car, Hamilton expressed strong belief in the team's "every ingredient needed to succeed."
What's next
With major engine and aerodynamics changes slated for 2026, Hamilton is clearly aiming to help guide Ferrari towards a successful future. His ongoing input through these documents is designed to ensure the Scuderia is well-prepared for the new era of Formula 1.