Growing tension between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as Ferrari struggle through 2025 F1 season
As the 2025 Formula 1 season nears its conclusion, Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are facing the difficult reality of a disappointing campaign, torn between hoping for a late-season revival and shifting focus to the 2026 season. With the constructors’ championship already secured by McLaren, Hamilton is officially out of contention for an unprecedented eighth individual world title, while Leclerc remains mathematically eligible to claim his first drivers’ championship, though overcoming Oscar Piastri’s 163-point lead appears extremely unlikely.
Ferrari’s 2025 campaign has been marked by underperformance, prompting team principal Fred Vasseur to search for answers behind the team’s persistent struggles. Ride height inconsistencies have plagued the SF-25 all season, forcing both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to implement “lift and coast” strategies during multiple races to preserve car balance and tyre life.
Behind the scenes, Hamilton has been attempting to support Ferrari using the technical expertise gained during his time at Mercedes, where he secured six drivers’ championships and contributed to eight consecutive constructors’ titles. Despite his experience, insider reports suggest that some of Hamilton’s recommendations for car development have occasionally caused friction with Leclerc, who possesses far more direct experience with Ferrari’s current machinery.
Impatience and subtle conflict rising between Hamilton and Leclerc
F1 journalist Peter Hardenacke discussed the ongoing tension between Ferrari’s lead drivers on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast ahead of the United States Grand Prix. Hardenacke highlighted that impatience is growing within the team, noting that chairman John Elkann recently convened a meeting to assess progress, although the exact purpose—whether a crisis meeting or routine discussion—remains unclear.
Hardenacke indicated that while Ferrari remains committed to Fred Vasseur’s leadership, there is a noticeable strain between the drivers. Charles Leclerc, at times, has expressed subtle criticisms regarding Hamilton’s influence on development documents and recommendations, reflecting a wider undercurrent of tension in the Scuderia garage. These dynamics hint at complex internal negotiations as the drivers strive to extract maximum performance from an uncompetitive car.
German F1 veteran Timo Glock comments on Hamilton’s Ferrari debut
Former F1 driver Timo Glock, whose career overlapped with Lewis Hamilton’s rise following the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, shared his perspective on Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari. Glock noted that despite Ferrari’s considerable investment to secure Hamilton, the seven-time world champion is struggling to adapt fully to the Italian team’s operations and car characteristics.
Glock suggested that while Lewis Hamilton has shown glimpses of improvement in recent races, his performance has yet to reach the level expected from a driver of his calibre. He emphasized that the Briton is visibly challenged by the current car package and Ferrari’s internal dynamics, creating an environment of heightened pressure and scrutiny.
Lewis Hamilton’s contract allows him to remain at Ferrari until the end of 2027, but his long-term future may depend on whether the team can deliver a competitive car capable of fighting at the front. Glock highlighted that the ongoing intra-team rivalry with Leclerc will be a critical factor in shaping both drivers’ careers and decisions in the coming seasons.
Looking ahead: 2026 regulations and the intra-team battle
With major Formula 1 regulation changes scheduled for 2026, both Hamilton and Leclerc are hoping that the new technical rules will offer a reset, potentially enabling Ferrari to return to title contention. How the Scuderia manage the dynamic between their star drivers will be a key story to watch. Observers are particularly interested in which driver will emerge as the team’s leading contender once the regulations take effect, and whether Ferrari can avoid internal conflict from undermining their championship aspirations.
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