It was only a few weeks ago that LWOS covered reports of disagreement behind the scenes at Ferrari. Specifically, we analysed suggestions that Lewis Hamilton was not seeing his ideas at the team implemented as he would like.
At the time, though, it was difficult to determine how serious these alleged frictions were. Only a few weeks later, sources claimed that Oliver Bearman has become a leading candidate to join Ferrari in 2027 – with Hamilton’s chances of a contract renewal said to be diminishing.
Once again, such reports are difficult to verify completely. Clearly, though, John Elkann’s latest interview demonstrate there is genuine instability brewing at Maranello.
The Ferrari Chairman has made comments that, beyond initial shock value, speak to a dilemma that is festering within the team.
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari reportedly at odds
Since Ferrari won their last title in 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen, several World Champions have walked through the doors of Maranello.
Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel both fell short of their title aspirations with the Scuderia, whilst Charles Leclerc is yet to even fight for a title in his seven seasons at the team. Therefore, when Hamilton agreed to a multi-year deal, he was well aware of the risk.
However, the 7-time Champion’s signature was seen as an endorsement of Ferrari’s positive trajectory under Fred Vasseur. After all, Hamilton ended his legendary Mercedes partnership to race for the Prancing Horse on the eve of a new set of regulations.
There were always going to be obstacles for the British driver to integrate himself with the team. The SF-25’s limitations have only worsened the situation for Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in a year where race victories are beyond reach.
At the same time, the 2026 regulations give Vasseur’s personnel a chance to reset. Next year’s cars will have entirely different characteristics, meaning any problems from this season are unlikely to have any impact after the winter break.
Because of this, John Elkann’s comments raise fundamental questions about the future of both Maranello drivers.
Crucially, though, reports from Italy suggest the Ferrari Chairman’s frustrations could be more directed towards Lewis Hamilton. It is understood that Hamilton’s desire to inject his own ideas and fresh perspective is not being well-received.
This is consistent with information from earlier this year, including our article on the 7-time Champion’s requests being overlooked.
Ultimately, there is a feeling that Elkann is disappointed with Hamilton’s output since joining Ferrari. This disapproval likely sparked the comments issued after last weekend’s Brazilian GP.
Entering uncharted waters
When previous big names, such as Sebastian Vettel started their Ferrari careers, they often arrived without any engineers or personnel from their previous teams. Given the Italian outfit’s long-established methodologies, this can make it difficult for newcomers to advocate for their suggestions.
Aware of this trap, Hamilton joined the Scuderia accompanied with trusted engineers from Mercedes.
His long-standing relationship with team principal Fred Vasseur was also seen as a bonus in his efforts to integrate.
Despite these factors in his favour, the consensus is that Hamilton is still finding his feet at Maranello. This, in itself, is not necessarily a massive problem. Acclimatising to a new environment is tricky for any driver.
The bigger issue is Elkann’s apparent discontent with his drivers, who he claims “should talk less.” For someone like Hamilton, who is working to become a vocal point at Maranello, these quotes do not paint a very promising picture.
Alongside reports about Ferrari’s lingering interest in Oliver Bearman, the picture at the team is not especially positive. If Elkann does indeed want to replace Hamilton, then 2026 promises to be even more volatile.
As ever, results can completely change the narrative in F1. Should Ferrari fight for the Championship with both drivers, there will be no room to criticise their approach.
This point is particularly relevant ahead of the 2026 regulations, where driver input in development could be more important than ever.
Simultaneously, there is a sense that anything outside of title contention could spell disaster for Ferrari. An underwhelming car will be unacceptable for Hamilton and Leclerc – and it seems the same applies to of upper management.
Should things go wrong next season, there is a real possibility of many big names leaving the doors of Maranello.
Main photo: Ferrari Media Gallery
