Breaking: Lewis Hamilton’s dream marriage heads for crisis as Italian med…read more

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s F1 Alliance Already Showing Strain: Italian Media Warn of Looming Crisis

 

What was once hailed as the ultimate Formula 1 partnership—Lewis Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari—is now under intense scrutiny, with reports from Italy suggesting the honeymoon is already over. Just six races into the 2025 season, respected Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport is warning that the dream pairing is showing serious signs of trouble.

 

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was initially seen as a blockbuster transfer—combining the sport’s most iconic team with its most successful and marketable driver. Hopes were high that the seven-time world champion could lead the Scuderia back to championship glory. However, early signs point to growing tension, poor performance, and miscommunication threatening to derail that ambition before it ever gathers steam.

 

The tension reached a boiling point during the Miami Grand Prix, where Hamilton’s frustration over the team’s strategy decisions was broadcast for the world to hear. After being stuck behind teammate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton sarcastically asked his engineers if they were on a “tea break,” clearly annoyed by the delayed instruction to let him through. The hesitation by Ferrari’s pit wall cost both drivers valuable time and positions, resulting in Hamilton finishing a disappointing eighth.

 

That result leaves Hamilton with just 41 points in the Drivers’ Championship—an alarming 90 behind current leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren. Ferrari, meanwhile, sits only fourth in the Constructors’ standings, trailing the papaya-clad team by a staggering 152 points. In both standings and sentiment, the Maranello-based outfit finds itself under intense pressure.

 

Italian media, never shy about voicing strong opinions, has been ruthless. Gazzetta dello Sport described the situation with a stark headline: “Hamilton-Ferrari, a luxury marriage that risks turning into a crisis.” Their analysis suggests the friction is more than just race-day frustration—it may indicate a deeper disconnect between the driver and the team.

 

According to Gazzetta, Hamilton’s struggles stem not only from adapting to a new car but also from Ferrari’s internal dynamics. The publication criticized the Miami strategy call, arguing that had Leclerc been instructed to let Hamilton pass earlier—when he still had fresher tyres—the outcome could have been different. Instead, the delayed order led to a muddled position swap, causing irritation on both sides with nothing to show for it, as they were only fighting for seventh and eighth.

 

While Hamilton’s presence at Ferrari has undeniably brought commercial attention and sponsorship opportunities, Gazzetta warns that marketing alone cannot mask underwhelming performance. “The Hamilton-Ferrari operation was sold as a marketing triumph,” the report noted. “But if results don’t follow, those gains could quickly turn into liabilities.”

 

The report also highlights the challenge Ferrari now faces managing two high-profile drivers. On one side is Hamilton—a proven legend trying to find his footing in unfamiliar machinery. On the other is Leclerc—the homegrown talent seen as the face of Ferrari’s future. Balancing these competing priorities without causing internal conflict is proving harder than anticipated.

 

As Formula 1 heads to Imola, Ferrari’s home turf, the stakes have never been higher. Pressure from fans, sponsors, and media will be intense, and another poor result could further fracture the Hamilton-Ferrari relationship. There’s still time to recover, with new regulations set to take effect in June that could shake up the competitive order. But right now, uncertainty reigns.

 

Gazzetta closes its critique with a telling question: “Signing a driver of Hamilton’s calibre brings with it sky-high expectations. If those expectations aren’t fulfilled, the backlash could be brutal. Will this union be remembered as a spectacular failure—or the beginning of a historic resurgence?” The coming races may well determine the answer.