“Hamilton is a business”: Carlo Vanzini explains Ferrari’s growing management headache

Sky Sport F1 commentator Carlo Vanzini has questioned how easily Ferrari can manage Lewis Hamilton, suggesting that the seven-time Formula 1 world champion’s extensive personal entourage adds another layer of complexity to the tensions involving Charles Leclerc and team principal Fred Vasseur.

Speaking during the first free practice session (FP1) for the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix, Carlo Vanzini examined the internal situation at Maranello, focusing particularly on the communication challenges surrounding Lewis Hamilton and the timing of discussions between Ferrari’s two drivers and their team principal.

Carlo Vanzini explains why Lewis Hamilton is difficult for Ferrari to manage

Carlo Vanzini believes Lewis Hamilton’s position extends well beyond his responsibilities as a Formula 1 driver, with a sizeable personal team handling various aspects of his professional activities. According to the Sky Sport F1 commentator, that structure can make it more difficult for Ferrari to coordinate communication before the British driver makes public statements.

“Hamilton now represents a business in his own right, and that makes things even more complicated. He travels with a staff of seven or eight people who also handle marketing and communications. It is not easy to speak with him before he makes public statements. The discussion with Vasseur and Leclerc took place when the tensions had already surfaced. If it had happened earlier, yesterday’s rumours probably would not have circulated. We will see how the situation develops,” Carlo Vanzini observed.

Ferrari communication under scrutiny amid Hamilton-Leclerc tensions

The commentator’s remarks place particular emphasis on the timing of Ferrari’s internal discussions. Carlo Vanzini suggested that an earlier conversation involving Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Fred Vasseur might have prevented the speculation that emerged before Friday’s running at Interlagos.

The comments come against the backdrop of Lewis Hamilton’s public stance on his Ferrari relationship with Charles Leclerc, following the disagreement between the two drivers at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The situation has also brought renewed attention to Fred Vasseur’s reported discussions over Ferrari’s internal racing rules and the broader challenge of managing two established Formula 1 drivers within the same team.

For Ferrari, the issue extends beyond the disagreement itself to how communication between the drivers and management is handled. Carlo Vanzini’s assessment adds another perspective to the questions surrounding Ferrari’s driver management as the team continues its Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.