Has Ferrari Already Let Down Lewis Hamilton?
A storm is brewing in Maranello as reports suggest Ferrari may have broken a crucial promise made to Lewis Hamilton—one that played a pivotal role in convincing the seven-time World Champion to leave Mercedes for the Scuderia.
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season was one of the most sensational moves in the sport’s recent history. A driver synonymous with Mercedes dominance for over a decade, Hamilton’s decision shocked fans and pundits alike. Now, according to veteran Italian journalist Leo Turrini, the dream move may be unraveling faster than expected.
A Struggling Season So Far
After 13 races in the 2025 F1 calendar, Hamilton trails his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc by 42 points in the Drivers’ Championship. The British driver’s most recent outing at the Hungarian Grand Prix was one to forget—qualifying 12th and finishing in the same position. Visibly frustrated, Hamilton referred to himself as “useless” after the underwhelming performance.
Leclerc, meanwhile, has shown glimpses of pace—securing pole position in Hungary—but like Hamilton, he has yet to win a Grand Prix this season. Ferrari’s race-day performance has been plagued by inconsistency and questionable strategy decisions, resulting in Leclerc finishing fourth despite starting from pole.
Hamilton’s lone bright spot came in the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he delivered a masterclass in front-running with a lights-to-flag victory. However, the overall narrative of the season remains disappointing for both Scuderia drivers.
The Promise of a Top Car
Turrini’s comments, reported via F1 Oversteer, shed light on the broken promise that may be contributing to Hamilton’s frustration.
“They obviously promised him a top car, and he trusted them, first and foremost,” Turrini claimed. “Vasseur, his mentor in his youth. Without Fred in Maranello, Lewis wouldn’t have come.”
Team Principal Frederic Vasseur, who played a formative role in Hamilton’s early career, is said to have been instrumental in securing the British driver’s signature. The promise of a competitive, championship-worthy car was central to the deal—one that Ferrari has so far failed to deliver on.
What Next for Hamilton and Ferrari?
Vasseur has publicly defended Hamilton, stating that the Brit is still adapting to life at Ferrari and learning to extract performance from a very different package compared to his time at Mercedes. But with both drivers winless in 2025, and Ferrari struggling for consistency, questions are beginning to emerge about the direction of the team.
Turrini also hinted at Leclerc’s growing impatience: “Leclerc has been betting on the Scuderia since he was a teenager. If he doesn’t make it, he’ll try elsewhere. But with whom?”
The pressure is mounting on Ferrari—not only to retain their high-profile drivers but also to back up the promises that brought them there in the first place.