Guenther Steiner, former Formula 1 team principal, has highlighted an ongoing tension between the brands of Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari, pointing out that Hamilton’s presence sometimes overshadows the legendary team. This observation comes amid the 2025 F1 season, where Hamilton, having recently moved from Mercedes to Ferrari, has yet to deliver the expected results, intensifying scrutiny over the partnership.
The Lewis Hamilton Ferrari brand conflict is under the spotlight as the seven-time World Champion chases an eighth championship with Ferrari, yet struggles to adapt to the new environment. Steiner believes Hamilton is unique in Formula 1 due to his stature both on and off the track, distinguishing him from other star drivers like Max Verstappen.
Challenges Faced by Hamilton in Adapting to Ferrari’s SF-25
The excitement surrounding Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season has been tempered by underwhelming performances, reflecting difficulties in integrating with the team and its machinery. Despite Ferrari’s promising history, Hamilton has not yet achieved a podium finish, while teammate Charles Leclerc has climbed to four podiums this season.
Hamilton openly expressed his frustration with the Ferrari SF-25, particularly regarding its behavior in wet conditions. After finishing fourth at Silverstone in difficult weather, he described the car as
“the most difficult car I’ve driven here.”
It was the most difficult car I’ve driven here,
said Hamilton to the media, including PlanetF1.com.
He added,
“It’s only my second time driving in the wet in this car and I can’t even express to you how hard it is. It’s not a car that likes those conditions, but lots of data to take from this.”
Hamilton pointed out that some flaws in the current car are unacceptable for the next year’s design, suggesting a need for significant improvements.
I might have to sit down with the people that are designing the car for next year because there’s elements of this car that cannot go into the following year.
His public critiques echo previous tensions, including reported communication issues with his race engineer Riccardo Adami, which have affected performance and team cohesion.
Guenther Steiner’s Perspective on the Unique Hamilton-Ferrari Relationship
During a recent Business of Sport podcast, Guenther Steiner elaborated on the distinct position Hamilton holds in Formula 1, describing him as the only driver who is “above a team” due to his global influence beyond racing. Unlike Verstappen, whose focus remains squarely on racing, Hamilton balances his F1 career with multiple endeavors outside the sport, including fashion, film, and charity work.
I think in Formula 1, the only one above a team is Lewis Hamilton,
Steiner remarked.
He continued,
His presence, his stature, it is very big. Outside of the sport as well. You’re big in the sport, but then when you get big outside of the sport, you’re bigger than the actual team.
Steiner noted that this phenomenon happens in other sports, such as football, but in F1, Hamilton’s status is unique. This sometimes results in friction because it raises the question of who holds greater sway: the Ferrari brand or Lewis Hamilton himself.
And I think we see it now with Lewis at Ferrari, they are two huge brands together, and it’s almost sometimes a conflict. Who is bigger, Ferrari or Lewis.
Current 2025 Season Standings Reflect Underperformance Amid High Expectations
Steiner also shared his views on whether he would have supported Ferrari signing Hamilton. He expressed doubts about the move’s necessity for Ferrari, which had shown strong performance before Hamilton’s arrival.
I think it’s a cool story, to be honest, a seven-time World Champion going to Ferrari, Ferrari was doing good. But I think we put the expectations so high, so now we got a little bit the expectations were not fulfilled. We are a little bit, ‘Oh, this doesn’t work’, and now we are depressed about it.
After 12 rounds of the 2025 season, Hamilton stands sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, 16 points behind Leclerc, underlining the gap in form and raising questions on how the team and driver will evolve moving forward.
Implications of the Hamilton-Ferrari Dynamic for F1’s Future
The clash between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari goes beyond on-track performance, tapping into broader issues of brand identity and influence within Formula 1’s complex ecosystem. As Hamilton continues to juggle his expansive off-track ventures alongside the pressures of leading Ferrari to glory, this relationship may define not only the team’s season but also the sport’s narrative.
Hamilton’s difficulties with the SF-25 and his outspoken stance on the car’s shortcomings underscore the challenges Ferrari faces in meeting high expectations. How the team responds to these critical assessments, including upcoming technical developments, will be crucial.
The 2025 season remains unpredictable as Ferrari attempts to harmonize two formidable brands in pursuit of championship success, navigating the delicate balance of accommodating a star driver’s unique stature without compromising team unity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lewis Hamilton vegan?
A. Race car driver Lewis Hamilton is open about his passion for veganism. Additionally, he invests in businesses related to plant-based products.
