Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 campaign has been marked by challenges, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc facing another difficult weekend at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Both drivers failed to score points, and the Scuderia dropped to fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, a position that could cost the team millions in prize money if they fail to surpass Mercedes and Red Bull before the season concludes.
Ferrari president John Elkann, who was instrumental in signing Hamilton from Mercedes for the 2025 season, has publicly criticized both drivers following the disappointing results. While Elkann privately acknowledged that Hamilton has struggled to meet expectations earlier in the season and is yet to secure a podium finish with Ferrari, he has refrained from admitting that signing the seven-time world champion may have been a risky financial decision.
Elkann Targets Ferrari Drivers and Leadership Amid 2025 Struggles
Journalist Felix Gorner reported that Elkann’s public criticisms are part of a broader pattern of discontent within the team. Gorner explained that Elkann has openly defended the Italian mechanics while taking aim at “outsiders” such as Lewis Hamilton, Leclerc, and team principal Fred Vasseur. According to the report, the drivers’ combined salaries and long-term contracts make them among the most expensive in F1, yet their results have not justified the investment.
Gorner noted that Ferrari’s performance issues, including Lewis Hamilton’s downward trajectory and Leclerc’s stagnation, have created tension within the team. Despite the SF-25 being considered competitive by experts, finishing fifth and sixth in the Drivers’ Championship highlights the team’s ongoing struggles. Elkann reportedly recognizes internally that Hamilton’s signing has not delivered the expected returns, but no CEO would publicly acknowledge such a misstep.
Ralf Schumacher Suggests Oliver Bearman as a Potential Ferrari Replacement
With Lewis Hamilton’s contract reportedly worth £60 million per year and running until the end of 2027, speculation about Ferrari’s future driver lineup has intensified. Only Max Verstappen reportedly earns more than Lewis Hamilton among current F1 drivers, which may explain some of John Elkann’s frustrations. Nevertheless, the Briton’s global appeal and merchandise revenue remain unmatched, adding significant value to Ferrari beyond track results.
Following Lewis Hamilton’s DNF in Brazil, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher suggested that Oliver Bearman could be the natural replacement for Lewis Hamilton if Ferrari were to make a driver change. Ollie Bearman, currently racing for Haas, has shown impressive consistency in the latter half of the season and is viewed as a potential future star capable of stepping into a top team.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and the Future of Hamilton’s Ferrari Legacy
The 2026 season will be a critical test for both Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari. If Fred Vasseur’s team can adapt effectively to the new F1 regulations, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion may finally secure podiums and race victories with the Scuderia, cementing a positive conclusion to his first Ferrari stint. Conversely, if Ferrari struggles to develop a competitive car, Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes may be remembered as a high-profile gamble that did not deliver on expectations.
At the same time, the Scuderia’s handling of internal criticism, the integration of new talent, and the response to upcoming regulation changes will define whether Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari chapter ends as a triumph or a disappointment in his legendary Formula 1 career.
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