When Lewis Hamilton made the switch to Ferrari, questions arose about whether this was the right decision, especially from former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto. Despite hopes that Hamilton would revive his championship quest with the iconic Scuderia, Binotto remains unsure if the move suited Hamilton at this point in his career.
Hamilton joined Ferrari after his dominant run with Mercedes stalled, aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth World Championship. However, Hamilton has yet to make the significant impact many expected since arriving at Ferrari, intensifying doubts about the transfer.
Evaluating Hamilton’s First Season with Ferrari Under Binotto’s Lens
Ferrari replaced Carlos Sainz to accommodate Hamilton alongside Charles Leclerc, a decision met with skepticism by Binotto. When asked whether he would have signed Hamilton to Ferrari, Binotto responded:
“No. But he did very well to go to Ferrari, I agree with his decision.”
Despite some positive moments, such as Hamilton’s victory in the China Sprint race, his overall performance has not matched that of his teammate Leclerc. After 16 rounds, Hamilton has accumulated 117 points compared to Leclerc’s 163, and his search for a podium finish with Ferrari continues.
These results have done little to shift Binotto’s view, who remarked:
“I think Hamilton is one of the greatest ever, but at this stage of his career, I’m not sure it was the right choice.”
Hamilton vs. Leclerc: A Team-Mate Rivalry Shaping Ferrari’s Future
The competitive dynamic between Hamilton and Leclerc highlights the challenges Ferrari faces this season. While Hamilton seeks to break records by surpassing Michael Schumacher’s seven titles for Ferrari, he has struggled to match Leclerc’s pace and consistency in qualifying and races alike.
Looking ahead, significant regulation changes planned for 2026 could offer new opportunities for Ferrari and Hamilton to shift the balance within Formula 1. These upcoming technical adjustments may provide the platform Hamilton needs to make a stronger case at the team and in the championship.
Inside Hamilton’s Efforts to Influence Ferrari’s Development
Hamilton has been actively involved behind the scenes, pushing for improvements to help elevate Ferrari’s performance. He has held numerous meetings with team leadership and technical heads to address car issues and future development plans.
Speaking about his collaborative approach, Hamilton shared:
“I hold a lot of meetings, I’ve called lots of meetings with the heads of the team.”
He detailed discussions with Ferrari’s president John Elkann, CEO Benedetto Vigna, team principal Fred Vasseur, and engineering heads like Loic Serra regarding key upgrades. Hamilton explained how he submitted detailed documents outlining car problems and structural changes needed to improve both this season and the next generation of Ferrari vehicles.
These efforts show Hamilton’s commitment not only as a driver but as a crucial contributor to the team’s technical direction.
Binotto Compares Hamilton’s Role to Schumacher’s Influence at Ferrari
Having played a pivotal part during Schumacher’s era of Ferrari dominance, Binotto offers a unique perspective on Hamilton’s leadership within the team. He recalls Schumacher as more than a driver:
“He wasn’t just a driver, he was a leader in terms of attitude and mentality.”
Binotto describes Schumacher’s close, focused collaboration with former team principal Jean Todt and chairman Luca di Montezemolo, noting the tight circle in which decisions and feedback circulated.
“Michael had another effect on us engineers: he made us raise the bar by keeping his own bar very high.”
In comparison, Hamilton’s approach involves wider engagement across various departments, with an emphasis on sharing comprehensive feedback and pushing for structural team improvements.
The Road Ahead for Hamilton and Ferrari
Though questions remain about whether Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was the best fit at this stage, his dedication to developing the car and influencing team strategy reflects a deeper commitment to Ferrari’s resurgence. The upcoming 2026 regulation overhaul presents a fresh chapter filled with potential for Hamilton to make a historic impact.
With Charles Leclerc firmly established and new technical challenges on the horizon, Hamilton’s ability to adapt and lead Ferrari back to the front will be closely watched by fans and experts alike as the next seasons unfold.
