The combination of Lewis Hamilton and Scuderia Ferrari continues to be one of the most discussed and closely scrutinized topics in the Formula 1 paddock. Between sky-high expectations and global fame, the partnership has drawn significant attention—and former Haas F1 Team principal Günther Steiner has weighed in with his perspective.
Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Günther Steiner addressed several themes, including his view on the high-profile pairing of Lewis Hamilton and the Ferrari team. According to the former team boss, the arrival of the seven-time World Champion at Maranello, announced the previous year, caught the entire Formula 1 paddock off guard. Since then, public anticipation surrounding Hamilton’s debut season in red has steadily grown. However, Steiner observed that the results during this first phase of the 2025 Formula 1 season have not lived up to the initial expectations.
Celebrity Driver vs Legendary Team
In his remarks on the Business of Sport podcast, Günther Steiner spoke about how a driver’s public image and fame can influence not only their personal brand but also the team they represent. In Steiner’s view, among all the current drivers on the Formula 1 grid, only Lewis Hamilton possesses a global profile that matches—or even exceeds—that of his team.
He explained: “It’s a combination, and once again I believe we have the perfect example here. In Formula 1, I think the only person who is bigger than the team is Lewis Hamilton. His image and his fame extend far beyond the sport itself. That’s the key: when someone is not only a major figure in their sport but also commands massive recognition outside of it, they can surpass the team they race for. The same thing happens in football. And in Formula 1 right now, Lewis Hamilton is the only one who can truly claim that status.”
Steiner contrasted Hamilton’s approach with that of reigning World Champion Max Verstappen, stating: “I think Max is hugely important in the sport, but he doesn’t aim to be a figure beyond racing. For him, his life is about driving. Lewis, on the other hand, wants to achieve more outside of racing. That’s the difference. And we’re seeing this play out now that Lewis is at Ferrari. You have two massive global brands—Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari—together. And sometimes, that creates a kind of rivalry. Who is the bigger name: Lewis Hamilton or Ferrari?”
The Hamilton Factor: Was It Worth It?
In addition to his analysis of celebrity dynamics, Günther Steiner also expressed doubts about the strategic and commercial value of Ferrari’s investment in Lewis Hamilton. While he acknowledged the appeal of the narrative, he was skeptical about the practical benefits.
“I don’t think Ferrari needed this, to be honest. That’s just my opinion, of course—I’m not running Ferrari as a company,” Steiner said. “But it does make for a great story. A seven-time World Champion joining Ferrari—it sounds like a dream. Ferrari was already doing well before this move, but I believe the expectations surrounding Hamilton’s arrival were simply too high. Now that we’re well into the season, it’s becoming clear that those expectations have not been met.”
As the season progresses, the Hamilton-Ferrari partnership remains in the spotlight. Whether it will ultimately deliver the success fans and insiders alike were hoping for remains to be seen. But what is already clear is that the combination of a legendary team and one of Formula 1’s most iconic drivers will continue to generate headlines—both for its on-track performance and its broader cultural impact.
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