Ferrari, the legendary name in Formula 1 racing, is synonymous with speed, passion, and victories that have cemented its place as one of the most prestigious teams in the sport. Yet, behind the glitz, glamour, and grandeur, the team finds itself embroiled in internal turbulence that threatens to alter the trajectory of its future — and of Lewis Hamilton’s career.

The 2025 Formula 1 season, which began with high hopes and expectations, has quickly turned into a period of uncertainty for the seven-time world champion.

Hamilton, one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport, arrived at Ferrari with the dream of being the centerpiece of their championship aspirations.

However, the season has unfolded in a way that no one, least of all Hamilton, could have predicted. A team that once seemed to be the ideal next chapter in his illustrious career is now a place of tension, frustration, and questions about his future.

A Rocky Start to 2025

The 2025 season, which was supposed to be a dream come true for Hamilton, has quickly turned into a nightmare. Having arrived with superstar status, Hamilton had the full support of Ferrari fans who hoped he could bring home their first world championship in over a decade. However, things have not gone according to plan. As the season progressed, Hamilton found himself struggling with an underperforming car and his own inability to adapt to Ferrari’s technical setup.

The Hungarian Grand Prix of 2025 marked a significant low point in Hamilton’s season. Starting from the middle of the grid, Hamilton managed to finish only 12th. After the race, visibly frustrated, Hamilton called himself “useless” and hinted that Ferrari might need a driver change. His comments sent shockwaves through the media, fueling speculation about his future with the team. Rumors quickly spread about potential early retirement or a possible rift between Hamilton and the team management. Despite this, former Formula 1 driver Ralph Schumacher insisted that Hamilton would not leave Ferrari before his contract expires in 2026.

The Struggles Behind the Scenes

It is not just Hamilton’s public remarks that have stirred up controversy but also his relationship with Ferrari’s leadership. Behind the scenes, Ferrari’s management appears to have made a decision that may have profound implications for Hamilton’s future with the team. Sources within Ferrari revealed that the team’s design philosophy for the SF25, the car that Hamilton is currently driving, was shaped with Charles Leclerc’s driving style in mind. This strategic decision seems to have been made long before the start of the season and appears to favor Leclerc as the team’s future cornerstone.

The SF25, Ferrari’s 2025 challenger, was designed to excel on straightaways, with its aerodynamic efficiency giving it a considerable speed advantage. However, the car also has a tendency to be difficult to handle in corners, especially for a driver who thrives on precision and smoothness. This type of setup suits Leclerc’s aggressive driving style, but it leaves Hamilton struggling. Schumacher remarked that Hamilton feels like he is fighting against his own car during every lap, as the SF25 requires a level of aggression Hamilton is not accustomed to. Leclerc, on the other hand, has been able to extract the most from the car’s unique characteristics, resulting in a commanding lead over Hamilton in nearly every competitive session this season.

Ferrari’s Hidden Agenda?

Despite the challenges Hamilton faces, he has attempted to make a significant impact behind the scenes by using his vast experience to help improve Ferrari’s performance. Hamilton submitted a detailed technical report to Ferrari, containing hundreds of pages of analysis and recommendations for changes, ranging from suspension adjustments to improving the pit stop processes. The report included telemetry data, CFD simulations, and comparisons to other top teams’ strategies.

However, according to internal leaks, most of Hamilton’s recommendations were either ignored or dismissed. Some sources suggest that his report was briefly reviewed and then filed away, disregarded as “not relevant” to Ferrari’s immediate goals. The lack of response to his input has raised questions about the level of priority Hamilton holds within the team.

Ralph Schumacher proposed a provocative theory about Ferrari’s decision-making. According to Schumacher, Ferrari’s management may have already made the decision to prioritize Leclerc before the start of the 2025 season. It could be that Ferrari felt Hamilton, at 40 years old, might be too old to adapt to the car’s requirements, or perhaps the team simply chose to stick with Leclerc, who had already established himself as a key figure within Ferrari. Schumacher further suggested that the distribution of technical resources and strategic support at the start of the season favored Leclerc, reinforcing the idea that Hamilton was not Ferrari’s first choice.

The Political Game Within Ferrari

The internal dynamics within Ferrari have become more complex as the season progresses. Within the team, there is increasing speculation about Hamilton’s future. Despite his legendary status, Hamilton’s performance on the track has not lived up to the high expectations placed upon him. The pressure is mounting not just from the public and the media but also from within Ferrari itself. Several key figures within the team are beginning to question whether Hamilton still has the ability to deliver the results Ferrari needs.

While some see Hamilton’s public criticism as a sign of leadership and honesty, others view it as potentially damaging to team morale. In Ferrari’s highly political environment, where every word spoken can have serious repercussions, some believe that Hamilton’s outspoken nature could lead to closed doors within the team. As one Ferrari insider put it, “In Ferrari, politics are as important as speed. If you criticize too often in public, sooner or later, doors will start to close. And once they close, they’re very difficult to reopen.”

Leclerc vs. Hamilton: The Battle Within Ferrari

As the season unfolds, the contrast between the two Ferrari drivers becomes ever more apparent. Leclerc, who is clearly Ferrari’s future, receives the bulk of the team’s attention, with engineers and resources focused on supporting his success. Meanwhile, Hamilton often finds himself isolated, working with a smaller group of loyal engineers in an attempt to turn his fortunes around. The two drivers rarely interact, and the atmosphere within the team is one of tension, with Hamilton seemingly sidelined in favor of Leclerc’s rise.

While Ferrari has never officially designated Leclerc as its number one driver, the signs are hard to ignore. Leclerc enjoys a more flexible race strategy, receives updates to his car’s components first, and often finds himself at the center of team radio communications during crucial moments of a race. All of these factors paint a picture of a team that is increasingly placing its trust in Leclerc as its future, while Hamilton’s role seems to be diminishing.

What Does the Future Hold for Hamilton?

With the second half of the 2025 season crucial for his standing at Ferrari, Hamilton is at a crossroads. Every race now carries extra weight, not just in terms of championship points, but in determining his future with the team. If he is unable to adapt to the SF25’s challenging characteristics and rediscover his rhythm, he may find himself relegated to a secondary role within the team, despite his unparalleled success and experience.

However, there is still hope for Hamilton. With new technical regulations set to come into effect in 2026, Hamilton has an opportunity to lead Ferrari’s development of a new generation of cars. His experience and expertise could be the key to transforming Ferrari’s fortunes and returning the team to championship contention. Whether Ferrari will allow him the space to lead such a project, or continue to prioritize Leclerc, remains to be seen.

As Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari runs through 2026, the next few months could be critical in determining whether the seven-time world champion’s time at Ferrari becomes a triumphant chapter or a fading footnote in the history of the Scuderia.