F1 insiders doubt drastic 2026 change at Ferrari would solve Lewis Hamilton’s struggles. Lewis Hamilton's tough debut season with Ferrari continues, as doubts grow over the team's direction and leadership.

The highly anticipated partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Scuderia Ferrari has yet to deliver the results many had hoped for. Now well into the 2025 Formula 1 season, the seven-time world champion is still searching for his first podium finish with the legendary Italian team.

Hamilton’s high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari during the winter break was expected to reignite his quest for an eighth world title. Yet aside from a Sprint Race victory in Shanghai, the campaign has largely fallen short of expectations. Currently sitting sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, Hamilton finds himself a staggering 131 points behind the current leader, Oscar Piastri. Alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, he has been struggling to unlock performance from the SF-25, a car that has proven to be extremely difficult to operate within its narrow optimal performance window.

One of the main technical challenges for Hamilton has been a persistent power steering issue, which has hampered his ability to brake late and aggressively—typically one of his key strengths. Ferrari and Hamilton have worked closely to try to resolve these problems, and the team is now preparing to introduce a significant update in the form of a new rear suspension at the Belgian Grand Prix. The hope is that this upgrade will be the turning point the team desperately needs.

Initial data from Ferrari reportedly indicates that the new suspension system provides a tangible improvement in performance. This will be welcome news for both Hamilton and Leclerc, particularly as it could allow the SF-25 to run at a lower ride height—similar to the aggressive setup used in China, where both drivers were disqualified for exceeding plank wear limits.

There is also cautious optimism within the team that the new components could form the technical foundation for Ferrari’s approach to the upcoming 2026 regulation changes. Hamilton is said to be banking on a long-term vision, hoping that stability and continuous development will finally lead to a resurgence in competitiveness. However, Ferrari’s poor form in 2025 has already sparked internal discussions about potential structural changes, including speculation surrounding the future of team principal Frédéric Vasseur.

Vasseur’s Position Under Scrutiny—But Sacking Him Unlikely to Help Hamilton

Despite currently occupying second place in the Constructors’ Championship, Ferrari’s position is somewhat misleading given their persistent lack of pace compared to the front-runners. This has led to questions about the future of Frédéric Vasseur, who is in the final year of his current contract.

Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle has cautioned Ferrari against making reactionary decisions, warning that changes in leadership may do more harm than good. Echoing this sentiment, motorsport journalist Michael Lamonato suggested during the Pit Talk podcast that no one in the paddock believes Vasseur’s departure would benefit Hamilton’s situation. He noted that such a move would likely be seen as regressive and could set Ferrari back by several years—time that Hamilton, now 40 years old, simply does not have.

Lamonato expressed a desire to see the dynamic between Hamilton, Vasseur, and Leclerc begin to yield results, emphasizing that the current leadership team represents an important opportunity for Ferrari to finally achieve sustained success. He argued that if the Italian media’s rumours about Vasseur’s dismissal were to materialize, the consequences could be long-term setbacks instead of immediate gains. The current regulatory cycle leaves little room for major disruptions, and Hamilton is unlikely to remain patient if the team takes another step backward.

Christian Horner Rumours Resurface—but Hamilton Wouldn’t Stay Under His Leadership

Adding to the uncertainty, former driver Ralf Schumacher has reported that Ferrari is currently in discussions with Fred Vasseur over a contract extension. This would come as a relief for Hamilton, who reportedly chose to leave Mercedes for Ferrari largely because of his strong relationship with the Frenchman.

Nonetheless, rumours have continued to circulate regarding a potential leadership shake-up at Maranello. Christian Horner, who has faced mounting pressure at Red Bull, has been linked with a possible move to Ferrari should Fred Vasseur exit. However, that scenario now appears unlikely. According to Formula 1 presenter Will Buxton, Lewis Hamilton would seriously consider leaving Ferrari if Horner were brought in to replace Vasseur. This suggests that Ferrari must tread carefully if they hope to retain their star driver and maintain team cohesion moving forward.

With Vasseur’s contract extension now looking probable, Ferrari can begin to lay the groundwork for 2026, although the team faces an uphill battle to salvage its 2025 campaign. In a bold strategic move, the Scuderia has reportedly paused development on their 2026 car in order to focus resources on improving the underperforming SF-25. This gamble could pay off—if the new suspension delivers results. But if it fails, the Italian side risks falling even further behind as the next era of Formula 1 approaches.