Smedley: Ferrari insiders 'just love' Hamilton after Barcelona win

Lewis Hamilton's breakthrough victory in Barcelona has triggered a profound shift inside Ferrari, with the seven-time champion now winning hearts across Maranello. According to former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley, insiders are "over the moon" with Hamilton after consecutive podiums in Monaco and Canada laid the groundwork for his Spanish Grand Prix triumph.

Why it matters:

Smedley's perspective carries weight given his decade at Ferrari and ongoing ties to current staff. He sees Hamilton building a Schumacher-esque bond with the Scuderia, where sustained success could cement his place among the team's most revered figures. The victory also validated months of difficult adaptation, proving his move from Mercedes was a genuine competitive reset rather than a late-career farewell.

The details:

• Smedley pushed back against the idea that Hamilton relies purely on raw talent, emphasizing the Briton's relentless behind-the-scenes work ethic and his ability to lift an entire organization.
• He revealed that Ferrari personnel are "putting him on a pedestal" and allowing Hamilton to corral the team around him, a dynamic visible in recent strategic decisions.
• The contrast with Charles Leclerc is growing increasingly stark; Smedley acknowledged Hamilton has established a clear upper hand recently, though he expects the gap to narrow again before season's end.

What's next:

If Smedley's assessment proves accurate, Hamilton is not merely collecting wins but reshaping Ferrari's internal culture at a critical juncture. The coming races will determine whether this harmony translates into sustained championship contention, or if Leclerc can mount a viable counterattack as the team manages its complex driver dynamic.