Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 debut with Ferrari has been difficult, with limited successes apart from a sprint race victory in China. Despite the challenges on track, Hamilton’s arrival has coincided with a notable increase in Ferrari’s profits this year, highlighting the financial influence the seven-time world champion brings to the team.
The announcement of Hamilton’s transfer from Mercedes to Ferrari surprised many, occurring before his final season with Brackley. This move triggered a shift of sponsorship deals from Mercedes to Ferrari, contributing to Hamilton’s lucrative deal, especially considering endorsement placements on his racing attire. His status and appeal off the track have driven considerable revenue for the Italian team.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferrari has recorded over $58.5 million in additional profit directly linked to Hamilton’s presence within the team. This figure emphasizes the impact Hamilton has beyond merely racing, leveraging his global profile to attract commercial interest and sponsorships that bolster Ferrari’s financial performance.
On-Track Performance and Its Effect on Ferrari’s Fortunes
While Hamilton currently holds no podium finishes apart from his sprint race success, his highest results in the 2025 season include fourth places at both the Austrian and British Grands Prix. Ferrari’s substantial profit is also partly attributed to their strong runner-up position in the 2024 constructors’ championship, with hope that improved results from Hamilton could enhance those financial gains further.
As the first half of the 2025 season concludes, Hamilton is taking a well-deserved summer break amid ongoing setbacks. His focus, however, is already shifting toward the 2026 season, where new technical regulations may offer a fresh opportunity to become more competitive alongside Ferrari. The team and driver aim to leverage these changes to rebuild their winning momentum.
Insight into Hamilton’s Role in Ferrari’s Development Challenges
Despite criticism regarding his suggestions to improve Ferrari’s car, Hamilton has been actively sharing technical feedback with the team. Some viewed this as overstepping, but former world champion Nico Rosberg defended his input as essential, underscoring that Ferrari must consider the insights of a driver with Hamilton’s experience.
Rosberg acknowledged that while Hamilton’s proposals are valuable, implementing changes within Ferrari’s complex engineering and production timelines will not be immediate. Developing new brake systems or adjusting car balance requires extensive lead time, meaning progress is gradual and not instantly visible on the track.
He’s a seven-time World Champion, so you definitely have to listen to what a seven-time World Champion is telling you. But it also takes time. Many of the things they cannot just change overnight. If the brakes are an issue, it’s a long lead time to develop the new brake system. Or if he’s not happy with the balance, it’s a really long process.
Nico Rosberg said, as reported by Planetf1
Implications for Ferrari and Hamilton Moving Forward
Currently, Hamilton lags significantly behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, effectively ending his challenge for the 2025 title. However, the lessons learned this season are crucial for Ferrari as they prepare for a major reset under next year’s new regulations. Both the team and Hamilton see 2026 as a fresh start to create a more competitive package and aim for future success.
Hamilton’s enduring influence, both on and off the circuit, remains a vital asset to Ferrari, bolstering their commercial strength even when race results fall short. The partnership’s long-term outlook hinges on translating technical progress and driver expertise into improved performance as Formula 1 evolves beyond this transitional season.
