A significant controversy in Formula 1 centers on the allegation that Ferrari might be deliberately prioritizing Charles Leclerc’s feedback above Lewis Hamilton’s when developing their car. This “Lewis Hamilton Ferrari conspiracy theory” has attracted attention from several voices in the racing world, including former driver Ralf Schumacher, who suggested Ferrari could lean toward Leclerc if Hamilton’s difficulties persist. However, Marc Surer, another ex-Formula 1 driver, dismissed these claims, emphasizing that Ferrari would only damage their own interests by acting in such a manner.
What would Ferrari get out of it? They would be harming themselves by doing so,
Surer said in an interview with F1-Insider.
Hamilton must continue to work hard and adapt his driving style more and more to the characteristics of his car. Just like Leclerc does.
Challenges Faced by Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari
At the recent Hungarian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc outperformed Lewis Hamilton significantly by securing pole position, while Hamilton openly called himself “useless” and suggested Ferrari should consider bringing in a new driver. Hamilton maintained this stance even after finishing 12th in the race the following day. His struggles were evident earlier as well, with a puzzling spin at the Belgian Grand Prix that he could not explain.
Despite Leclerc’s strong qualifying results, he remains under pressure too. His fourth-place finish at Hungary exposed ongoing issues, as Leclerc has won only five times from 27 pole positions in his career so far. At the same event, a mysterious problem that Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur could not immediately resolve cost him a podium finish. Overall, the SF-25 car has fallen short this season, consistently trailing behind McLaren’s performance.
Looking Ahead: Ferrari’s Need for a Fresh Start
With the ongoing struggles for both Hamilton and Leclerc in 2023, Ferrari is under significant pressure to improve. Many within the sport are anticipating the 2026 regulations as an opportunity for Ferrari to overhaul their approach and compete more effectively. Until then, both drivers face a challenging period trying to optimize an underperforming car while dealing with high expectations.
