Cracks Emerge in Hamilton-Ferrari Courtship as...

Cracks Emerge in Hamilton-Ferrari Courtship as…read more

The Formula 1 world is abuzz with fresh drama as tension brews between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari even before their highly anticipated partnership officially begins. The seven-time world champion, who announced his bombshell move to the Scuderia for 2025, is reportedly facing early turbulence in his relationship with the Maranello-based team—largely sparked by his recent disqualification at the United States Grand Prix and its wider implications.

Hamilton’s disqualification in Austin for a technical infringement has not only shaken Mercedes’ season but has also raised eyebrows in the Ferrari camp. Sources close to the paddock suggest that key figures within Ferrari were less than thrilled with how Hamilton handled the situation, particularly in the aftermath where he was vocal about setup misjudgments and pointed fingers at his current team. While such openness is not unusual for Hamilton, insiders hint that Ferrari’s leadership values a more guarded approach—a trait they hold in high regard when assessing team harmony.

Though Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is still months away, the spotlight on his every move has intensified, and every word is now scrutinized not just through a Mercedes lens but also with a Ferrari filter. According to paddock insiders, some within Ferrari’s inner circle are reportedly cautious about how Hamilton’s strong personality and public candor will mesh with the tightly controlled and deeply traditional Italian outfit.

The situation was further complicated by Charles Leclerc’s recent performances. The Monegasque driver has shown flashes of brilliance this season, reinforcing his position as the team’s golden boy. With Leclerc seen as Ferrari’s long-term future, Hamilton will be stepping into a delicate ecosystem next year—one where team dynamics could shift rapidly if not handled with care.

In addition to concerns over media handling and team harmony, Ferrari’s leadership is reportedly watching how Hamilton adapts to setbacks. The disqualification in Austin was a major blow, particularly as Hamilton had crossed the line in second place before being stripped of his result due to excessive plank wear—a regulation breach that Hamilton attributed to aggressive setup tweaks.

While the Briton took responsibility to an extent, his suggestion that the issue was out of his control did not sit well with everyone. For Ferrari, who have been working hard to build a tightly-knit and focused unit under team boss Frédéric Vasseur, any whiff of blame-shifting or internal division is seen as a potential red flag.

Despite the murmurs of friction, there is no indication that either Hamilton or Ferrari is reconsidering their blockbuster deal. Both parties remain publicly committed, and Hamilton continues to speak positively about his future at Ferrari. However, the current situation serves as a reminder that Formula 1 is as much about political and personal finesse as it is about raw speed.

The Hamilton-Ferrari union promises to be one of the most watched storylines of the 2025 season, with enormous pressure on both sides to deliver results. For Hamilton, joining Ferrari represents not only a new challenge but a chance to cap off his legendary career with perhaps the sport’s most iconic team. For Ferrari, bringing in a global superstar signals their intent to return to championship contention—but it also brings the challenge of integrating one of the sport’s most influential and outspoken figures into their traditionally conservative setup.

As F1 heads toward the second half of the season, the spotlight remains firmly on Hamilton. Every race, every interview, and every off-track interaction is now seen through the lens of what it means for Ferrari 2025. Whether this early strain is just a teething issue or the beginning of deeper tension remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the Hamilton-Ferrari story is just getting started.