Lewis Hamilton has recently expressed concerns suggesting that Ferrari has not fulfilled certain promises made to him, amid the team’s increasing focus on Charles Leclerc. Hamilton, who joined Ferrari on a multi-year deal after a long tenure with Mercedes, is facing challenges adapting to the Scuderia’s environment during the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Insights from Former F1 Team Owner on Hamilton’s Frustrations
Gian Carlo Minardi, a former Formula 1 team owner, commented that Hamilton’s remarks indicate disappointment towards Ferrari‘s direction. According to Minardi, the Maranello-based squad appears more committed to supporting Leclerc as their leading driver, which may be contributing to Hamilton’s unease. Minardi shared his perspective with La Gazzetta dello Sport, noting that Hamilton’s grievances relate to expected promises that have yet to materialize.
“Ferrari is currently trying to find a better direction for Leclerc. From various interviews, I understand that he’s complaining about things that were promised to him, but never arrived. It’s difficult to make judgments, in any case.” —Gian Carlo Minardi, Former F1 Team Owner
Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes, a dominant force in F1 with which he won seven world championships, to Ferrari sparked high expectations for a successful partnership. However, the current season reveals a struggle, as Hamilton has yet to reach the podium in the 14 races held so far. His recent performance saw him finish outside the points, while Leclerc secured all 12 of Ferrari’s points from the last weekend, reinforcing the team’s apparent tilt toward Leclerc.
Fred Vasseur Reflects on the Difficulty Hamilton Faces in Adjusting to Ferrari
Fred Vasseur, a significant figure in Hamilton’s return to Ferrari and his former GP2 team boss, has admitted that he underestimated how tough it would be for Hamilton to adapt to life at Ferrari. Vasseur and Hamilton last worked together nearly two decades ago during Hamilton’s 2006 GP2 championship campaign. Now reunited at Ferrari, both aim to restore the team’s glory, yet the transition has proven more complex than expected.
“I think perhaps that we underestimate the challenge for Lewis at the beginning of the season. He spent almost 10 years with McLaren and then 10 years with Mercedes – that’s almost 20 years with Mercedes in the same environment.”
“It was a huge change for Lewis in terms of culture, in terms of people around him, in terms of software, in terms of car, in terms of every single topic was a big change perhaps that we underestimate this, Lewis and myself. But I’m very, very pleased because the last four or five races he was back into the pace.”
With this acknowledgment from Vasseur, it is clear that both he and Hamilton recognize the depth of adjustment required when moving from a familiar setting to a new team with different operational styles and expectations.
Current Performance Challenges and What Lies Ahead for Hamilton
This season, Hamilton is experiencing the lowest average points per race weekend of his career since the current points system was introduced in 2010. This decline underscores the difficulties he is facing as he works to find his rhythm in a new car and team environment. Meanwhile, Leclerc continues to represent Ferrari as the leading contender, collecting the majority of the team’s points.
The ongoing tension at Ferrari raises questions about the balance between Hamilton’s role and Leclerc’s rising influence. As Ferrari strives to optimize its driver lineup and performance, the coming races will be pivotal in determining whether Hamilton can overcome early setbacks and reestablish himself within the team’s plans.
