Lewis Hamilton fails to mirror Michael Schumacher’s success as Ferrari faces leadership uncertainty. Despite Hamilton’s support, comparisons to Schumacher highlight challenges within the Scuderia’s leadership..

Ferrari’s Struggles Continue as Hamilton Faces Mounting Pressure and Vasseur’s Future Hangs in the Balance

Scuderia Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 campaign has failed to deliver on the momentum built last season, leaving the team adrift in the midfield with little to celebrate after ten Grands Prix. Aside from a Sprint Race triumph in Shanghai, the Italian side remains winless in traditional race formats, falling well short of preseason expectations.

The brief moment of success in China came courtesy of Lewis Hamilton, who claimed victory in the Sprint. However, that high point was short-lived. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the Grand Prix that weekend due to excessive plank wear — a technical infringement that nullified any hope of capitalising on their speed.

Since then, Leclerc has managed to secure three podium finishes, providing Ferrari with some consolation. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, despite being one of the most decorated drivers in Formula 1 history, remains without a top-three result this season. He continues to chase his elusive 203rd podium and has placed his hopes on a new rear suspension upgrade, which he believes could resolve some of his performance issues. Whether the technical adjustment will come in time to reverse his fortunes in 2025 remains uncertain.

These ongoing setbacks have intensified scrutiny over team principal Fred Vasseur’s position at the helm. Despite overseeing visible progress in 2024, the Ferrari team boss is now facing mounting speculation regarding his job security. His leadership is reportedly under review, particularly with Ferrari’s development path towards the new 2026 regulations already underway.

While Fred Vasseur has dismissed such rumours and remains defiant in the face of mounting pressure, questions are being raised about whether he has the backing needed to weather the storm — particularly when comparing his situation to past Ferrari leadership eras.

Lewis Hamilton, speaking in the lead-up to the Canadian Grand Prix, was adamant in his support for Fred Vasseur. He made it clear that the French manager was instrumental in bringing him to Maranello and expressed gratitude for that opportunity. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion stated that the pair were committed to working together to improve Ferrari’s competitiveness and that he genuinely believed Vasseur was the right person to lead the team into a new era.

However, Swiss publication Blick presented a more critical view, suggesting that Hamilton’s arrival had disrupted internal harmony within Ferrari. The outlet also highlighted that Fred Vasseur’s non-Italian heritage may hinder his ability to connect with the team in the same way former president Luca di Montezemolo once did, claiming he lacks the ability to “breathe the soul” of Ferrari.

These comparisons have drawn attention to another iconic era in Maranello. In the late 1990s, Michael Schumacher wielded considerable influence within Ferrari and famously protected team boss Jean Todt from being ousted. When Todt’s job was on the line in 1996, Schumacher made it clear he would walk away if the Frenchman was dismissed — a bold move that ultimately solidified Ferrari’s golden age.

Lewis Hamilton, despite his legacy and experience, is not believed to hold the same level of authority within the current Ferrari structure. Should chairman John Elkann decide a leadership change is required, it’s unlikely Lewis Hamilton could intervene with the same impact as Schumacher once did.

During the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Lewis Hamilton voiced concerns over an issue with his Ferrari via team radio — a problem that had not been immediately apparent to viewers or commentators. The 40-year-old’s feedback reflected deeper frustrations that have defined much of his debut season with the team.

For Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari with hopes of securing an eighth world title and cementing his place among the Scuderia’s all-time greats, the path ahead is increasingly uncertain. While his legacy in the sport is already secure, he knows that true adoration from the Tifosi will only come if he can deliver them a long-awaited championship.

As Ferrari struggles with inconsistency and internal tension, the future of both Lewis Hamilton’s championship ambitions and the Frenchman’s leadership remains up in the air. The next few races could prove decisive for the team’s trajectory — and for the individuals now at the heart of its challenges.