Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari in early 2025 ignited widespread excitement, as fans imagined the unparalleled driver joining the iconic Italian squad. The move promised compelling prospects, especially after Ferrari’s strong 2024 Formula 1 season, where they nearly clinched the championship against McLaren. However, after 17 races, the initial optimism has faded, revealing the harsh struggles Hamilton faces with the team. Rather than delivering immediate success, he appears poised to become the driver who waited longest for a podium with Ferrari, while a championship challenge remains unlikely in the near future.
Beyond Hamilton’s personal fight, the partnership itself appears increasingly fragile. What was once hailed as a dream collaboration now seems headed for disappointment.
Management Turmoil Undermining Ferrari’s Progress
One long-standing issue at Ferrari is the instability within its senior management, a problem that has persisted since around 2008. The leadership has shown a pattern of impatience and inconsistency, frequently shifting support away from team leaders after setbacks. This revolving door has seen a rapid succession of team principals: Stefano Domenicali, Marco Mattiaci, Maurizio Arrivabene, Mattia Binotto, and most recently Fred Vasseur.
Concerns intensified during the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, when reports suggested Fred Vasseur had lost support from Ferrari’s upper echelons, including Chairman John Elkann, with speculation about a replacement brewing. Although those rumors were officially denied and Vasseur’s contract extended, Ferrari’s performance has continued to trail expectations. Hamilton has shown gradual improvement but remains unable to match his teammate Charles Leclerc’s pace, reinforcing doubts about the team’s cohesion and direction.
Looking forward, if Ferrari fails to challenge for titles next season, pressure will mount on senior management to reconsider Vasseur’s role as the team boss, putting his future firmly in doubt.
Challenges Facing Ferrari’s 2026 Power Unit Development
Lewis Hamilton’s choice to join Mercedes back in 2013 was pivotal in his career, as the German team mastered the 2014 technical regulations with a dominant power unit that delivered years of competitive advantage. Conversely, Ferrari’s preparation for the new 2026 power unit regulation highlights significant trouble. According to internal sources, Ferrari recently lost the two leading engineers spearheading the power unit project, both moving to rival manufacturer Audi.
Losing key personnel in such a critical phase signals deep-rooted issues within Ferrari’s power unit development. Without a competitive engine, Hamilton’s hopes for future championships with Ferrari grow increasingly bleak, as the team risks lagging behind others in the imminent regulatory shift.
Fred Vasseur’s Leadership Questioned Despite Support for Hamilton
Fred Vasseur is widely respected across the Formula 1 paddock, yet some of his recent strategic decisions have raised eyebrows. Notably, the push for a completely new car concept in 2025, despite building on an impressive 2024 model, stands out as a questionable call. Furthermore, Vasseur has struggled with public perceptions of the car’s capabilities, often appearing defensive about its limitations.
There have also been controversial team orders and communication issues, indicating Ferrari continues to repeat past mistakes under his stewardship. These ongoing problems, present even before Hamilton’s arrival, fuel skepticism about Vasseur’s effectiveness in turning the team’s fortunes around.
Lewis Hamilton’s Position Inside the Team and Ferrari’s Future Prospects
Currently, Hamilton finds himself positioned as Ferrari’s number two driver behind Charles Leclerc, who maintains the upper hand in performance. While this dynamic alone is a challenge Hamilton could potentially overcome, the larger concern lies with Ferrari’s overall capability. The team shows no signs of readiness to mount a serious title campaign, hampered by inconsistent management and technical shortcomings.
As a result, the ambitious goal that motivated Hamilton’s move to Ferrari now appears increasingly unattainable. This late-career experiment risks ending in frustration rather than triumph, marking a difficult chapter in the driver’s otherwise illustrious record.
