Gian Carlo Minardi reflects on Lewis Hamilton’s challenges at Ferrari: unfulfilled promises and tough transition. Gian Carlo Minardi says Ferrari broke promises to Lewis Hamilton.

Gian Carlo Minardi offers a detailed analysis of Lewis Hamilton’s journey at Ferrari and issues a warning: “With his F1 record, if you no longer feel up to it, you retire.” The British seven-time World Champion is going through a difficult period, while Ferrari’s “unkept promises” have raised questions in the Formula 1 paddock. The entrepreneur and founder of the Minardi racing team takes a contrarian stance: in an exclusive interview with the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, he describes Hamilton’s statements at the Hungarian Grand Prix as “those of a great driver,” while also expressing a certain disappointment toward the Scuderia Ferrari.

The Hungarian Grand Prix, held at the Hungaroring, was described by Jean Alesi as the “last horror movie” before the summer break. What was expected to be a symbol of Ferrari’s technical resurgence turned into a waking nightmare. Charles Leclerc, the undisputed leader until the third stint, had to surrender due to an unspecified “problem” with the car, losing the chance for victory and even a podium finish.

Further back on the track, Lewis Hamilton struggled to score points following yet another disappointing qualifying session. The seven-time World Champion found himself stuck in a long DRS train, and his race resembled a prolonged and painful struggle. Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur is confident, however, that Hamilton is “frustrated, not demotivated,” and insists that encouraging results will come soon.

Gian Carlo Minardi and Ferrari’s “unkept promises”
In his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Gian Carlo Minardi put forward a theory about the so-called ‘Hamilton case.’ Listening to the words of the champion from Stevenage, it seems clear that “Lewis complains about things that were promised to him but never arrived.” Ferrari, amid its current difficulties, appears to be focusing more closely on Charles Leclerc, who is currently capable of fighting for victories, as demonstrated in Budapest.

Nevertheless, it would be unfair to blame Lewis Hamilton. Used to the Mercedes environment, he had to adapt to a new working method and language after many years spent in Brackley. His comments should be understood as a compliment to his teammate, who managed to secure pole position in the same car.

“With a record like his, if you don’t feel like fighting anymore, you retire,” Gian Carlo Minardi emphasizes, adding, “If he’s still on track, it’s because he knows he can still make a difference.”