BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Memos Spark Concern from F1 Expert… Read more
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Memos Spark Concern from F1 Expert
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has been making waves at Ferrari — not just on the track, but also behind the scenes — as he works to elevate the Italian team’s performance. However, his hands-on approach has sparked concerns among motorsport insiders, with one expert warning that his communication strategy could harm his relationship with the Scuderia.
Hamilton, who joined Ferrari for the 2025 season after a long and successful stint with Mercedes, has taken an active role in trying to help Ferrari improve both their car and team structure. He reportedly held critical meetings with high-ranking figures at Ferrari, including chairman John Elkann, team principal Fred Vasseur, and performance director Loïc Serra. Alongside those face-to-face discussions, Hamilton has also been sending detailed memos to the team outlining areas he believes need improvement.
These memos, intended to drive performance gains and structural enhancements, have drawn criticism from former F1 technical director Gary Anderson, who believes such an approach could backfire.
Writing in The Telegraph, Anderson voiced his reservations about Hamilton’s strategy. “I was also concerned when I read last week that Hamilton had been sending memos to Ferrari on where they need to be better. You might think that is just a driver trying to help his team improve, but from my experience that is not what you should do,” Anderson said.
According to the former Jordan and Jaguar engineer, communication in Formula 1 teams works best in person. He argues that face-to-face meetings allow for open discussion and immediate clarification, something that written notes might lack. “You should sit down in a meeting with the relevant people and thrash it all out in person,” he continued. “That way people can have their input, be honest, and have a constructive conversation about progress.”
Anderson warned that Hamilton’s memos might be misinterpreted or misunderstood, especially in a high-pressure environment where tone and intention are key. “That can be detrimental to building a better relationship which is what Hamilton needs to be doing right now,” he noted. “Everybody in the team has feelings after all, and they all need to be pulling in the same direction and to want to work together.”
Despite the criticism, Hamilton has made it clear that he is committed to improving Ferrari’s fortunes. Between the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and last weekend’s race in Belgium, he has remained deeply involved in performance discussions. At Spa, Hamilton confirmed he had discussed not only immediate car concerns but also long-term development, including plans for the 2026 car, which will incorporate new power unit regulations and aerodynamic changes.
Hamilton revealed that his suggestions included feedback on Ferrari’s recent rear suspension upgrade and more strategic recommendations for the team’s structural operations. While some might question the method, there is no doubt about his dedication.
Ferrari has now shifted its attention toward 2026 development following the disappointing results with its current car, the SF-25. With Hamilton leading efforts on and off the track, the Scuderia hopes his experience and insights can eventually steer them back to championship contention — though it remains to be seen whether his memo-writing approach will strengthen or strain internal dynamics.
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