The seven-time world champion endured a difficult first season with Ferrari, falling short of expectations, but team principal Fred Vasseur has emphasized support and changes to help Hamilton adjust to the new regulations.

Behind the scenes, however, Ferrari management appears to be planning for a future without Hamilton, with Bild reporting that a successor has already been identified.

Ollie Bearman in the Spotlight

British driver Ollie Bearman, currently with Haas, tops Ferrari’s shortlist as a potential replacement.

Bearman joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2022 and stood in for Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, earning recognition that secured him a full-time 2025 seat.

While his rookie season has been marred by mistakes, leaving him close to a race ban, Bearman has consistently outperformed his experienced teammate Esteban Ocon and finished three points ahead in the standings.

The 20-year-old’s form improved notably toward the end of the season, with five consecutive top 10 finishes demonstrating his growing consistency.

The 2026 Challenge

Next season will be Bearman’s first real test, no longer shielded by rookie status.

Ferrari will monitor whether he can handle the pressure and deliver results, potentially proving himself as a long-term successor to Hamilton.

Bearman’s ability to balance raw talent with mental maturity will likely be crucial in determining whether Ferrari sees him as the future face of the team.

The focus on preparation highlights the team’s forward-thinking approach as they navigate an era of regulatory change and driver development.

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This came as his first season with Ferrari drew to a close following a high-profile move to the Maranello-based team in January.

Despite the flashy accessory, Hamilton’s season results were underwhelming.

He failed to secure a single podium finish and ended sixth in the drivers’ championship.

Contrasting Styles on the Grid

While Hamilton’s watch commanded attention with its $2.3 million price tag, other drivers chose markedly different styles.

World champion Lando Norris celebrated his maiden title wearing a Richard Mille worth $470,000 (£350,000), a fraction of Hamilton’s watch cost.

Max Verstappen, who is known for aligning with Red Bull’s sponsors, opted for a Tag Heuer priced at just $6,600 (£5,000).

The contrast highlighted the different approaches drivers take to style and branding.

F1 Drivers’ Earnings in 2025

Even though Hamilton struggled on track, his earnings remained substantial.

According to Forbes, Verstappen topped the 2025 F1 earnings list with $76 million, including salary and bonuses, despite not yet factoring in a world championship bonus.

Hamilton came in second with $70.5 million, a figure reflecting his first year at Ferrari.

Newly-crowned champion Norris secured third place with $57.5 million.

The list of top-earning drivers for 2025 shows the wide disparity in salaries and bonuses across teams.

F1 Driver Salaries and Bonuses 2025

• Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing: $65 million salary, $11 million bonus
• Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari: $70 million salary, $0.5 million bonus
• Lando Norris, McLaren: $18 million salary, $39.5 million bonus
• Oscar Piastri, McLaren: $10 million salary, $27.5 million bonus
• Charles Leclerc, Ferrari: $30 million salary, $0 bonus
• Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin: $24 million salary, $2.5 million bonus
• George Russell, Mercedes: $15 million salary, $11 million bonus
• Lance Stroll, Aston Martin: $12 million salary, $1.5 million bonus
• Carlos Sainz, Williams: $10 million salary, $3 million bonus
• Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes: $5 million salary, $7.5 million bonus

Lewis Hamilton’s Net Worth

Beyond his F1 salary, Hamilton’s overall net worth reflects decades of high-profile success.

Estimates suggest that Hamilton’s net worth exceeds $300 million, combining earnings from racing, endorsements, and other business ventures.

Major sponsors, fashion collaborations, and investments in lifestyle and tech companies have contributed significantly to his fortune.

Hamilton’s off-track income rivals some of the highest earners in global sports, cementing his position as one of the wealthiest drivers in history.

Even in a season without podium finishes, Hamilton’s financial and style status remains unmatched.

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According to Corriere della Sera, Hamilton has personally submitted a report to Ferrari’s top executives, outlining concerns about inefficiencies and suggesting changes to the team’s operational methods.

The move highlights the British driver’s growing frustration as both he and team-mate Charles Leclerc struggle to deliver consistent results in Ferrari’s SF-25 car.

Ferrari Falter Despite Early Promise

Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari has not gone according to plan.

READ: McLaren Sack Driver Amid Red Bull Interest

The 39-year-old sits sixth in the drivers’ championship, trailing his team-mate by 48 points.

While Leclerc has also faced difficulties, neither driver has managed to secure a race victory this year, as McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull continue to dominate the podium positions.

Ferrari currently hold third place in the constructors’ standings, though their lead over fourth-placed Red Bull has shrunk to just eight points.

Max Verstappen has largely carried the fight for Red Bull alone, further emphasizing Ferrari’s struggles to compete on equal terms.

Hamilton’s Internal Report Highlights Operational Weaknesses

Italian media reports suggest Hamilton has raised concerns about Ferrari’s structure and communication between departments.

His document to the “top brass” is said to focus on what he views as shortcomings in the coordination between Maranello’s factory operations and the trackside team.

The Corriere della Sera report also notes that several key departures from Ferrari’s race operations staff have disrupted workflow and reduced cohesion within the team.

As a result, Ferrari often look competitive in free practice sessions but struggle to convert that form into strong race performances.

It is believed that misalignment in setup decisions between Maranello and the race engineers has contributed to the team’s weekend drop-offs.

Hamilton Focused on Building for the Future

Despite the mounting pressure, Hamilton appears determined to help Ferrari rebuild.

The Briton’s immediate goal will be to secure his first podium for the Scuderia, a milestone that could strengthen his bond with the famously passionate Tifosi.

While his chances of finishing ahead of Leclerc this season seem slim, Hamilton remains focused on using the remaining races to regain confidence and help the team establish a clearer development direction.

The upcoming 2026 regulation overhaul could mark a turning point.

Formula 1 will introduce new car and power unit regulations next year, giving teams an opportunity to reset and potentially close the competitive gap to Red Bull.

If Ferrari can successfully adapt to the new rules, it could hand Hamilton a much-needed fresh start in his pursuit of an eighth world championship.

Aiming for Redemption in 2026

The 2026 season may also suit Hamilton better from a technical perspective.

Since the introduction of ground effect aerodynamics in 2022, he has struggled to adapt to the current generation of cars, managing only two race victories during this period.

Ferrari’s success under the new regulations will depend on whether they can build a more balanced and predictable car — something Hamilton has consistently demanded.

Even if another world title remains a distant goal, Hamilton’s drive to add to his record 105 grand prix wins continues to motivate him.

His willingness to push for systemic improvements shows his commitment to Ferrari’s long-term project, as he aims to restore the team to its former glory and end his illustrious career on a high note.

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The Italian squad’s only triumph came in the form of Hamilton’s Sprint race win in China back in round two. Since then, Ferrari have fallen behind their rivals, with McLaren securing 12 victories, Red Bull three, and Mercedes one.

Despite this lack of success, Ferrari remain second in the constructors’ standings with 280 points, well behind McLaren’s 617. Their position owes much to consistency, with Charles Leclerc holding fifth in the drivers’ standings on 163 points and Hamilton sixth on 117.

Battling to Retain Second

Ferrari’s grip on second place is tenuous but still intact. They hold a 20-point lead over Mercedes and a 41-point margin ahead of Red Bull. Both rivals, however, are relying heavily on standout individual performances. Max Verstappen has claimed 230 of Red Bull’s 239 points this season, while George Russell has taken 194 of Mercedes’ 260.

Team principal Fred Vasseur had much loftier goals before the season began. During pre-season testing in Bahrain, he made it clear Ferrari would be targeting both championships. That ambition has now evaporated, with McLaren in a commanding position to secure the constructors’ crown. A strong result in Azerbaijan could seal their title with eight races to spare.

Di Montezemolo Voices Concerns

Ferrari’s prolonged struggle has drawn criticism from former chairman Luca di Montezemolo. Speaking to Sky Italia, he expressed disappointment with how the team is being led.

“The thing that saddens me today is to see a Ferrari [team] that has no leader,” he said.

“There is no leadership and, above all, I see that they lack a strong, determined soul. Announcements are made that often create excessive expectations. First, we get the results and then we make the announcements.”

Montezemolo, who oversaw Ferrari’s last dominant era between 1974 and 2014, has yet to see the team add to the championships they claimed under his tenure. Ferrari’s last drivers’ title came in 2007, with the most recent constructors’ championship in 2008.

Pressure on Vasseur

Vasseur has not been without pressure this season. After a difficult run through the opening nine races, speculation arose about whether he would remain in charge. However, Ferrari confirmed their faith in him by extending his contract until 2027.

The Frenchman came close to delivering glory in 2024, when Ferrari narrowly lost out to McLaren by just 14 points in the constructors’ race. The arrival of Hamilton from Mercedes was expected to provide the extra push needed this year, but results have fallen short.

So far, Ferrari have managed just one pole position in Hungary through Leclerc, highlighting how far off they are from their rivals’ pace. Their hopes of salvaging the season now rest on fending off Mercedes and Red Bull to secure second place in the championship.

The pressure is mounting in Maranello, and as McLaren edge closer to sealing the title, Ferrari’s long wait for championship glory looks set to continue.

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A disappointing qualifying session saw Hamilton eliminated in Q2 and starting 12th on the grid.

Despite his efforts, he made no progress during the race and finished in the same position.

Self-Criticism and Post-Race Disappointment

Hamilton did not hold back in assessing his performance, describing himself as “useless” and even suggesting that Ferrari might be better off replacing him.

His frustration was clear as he lingered in his car after the race and skipped a stewards’ meeting about a clash with Max Verstappen.

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle described the incident in his Sky Sports column.

“He sat in the car in parc ferme post-race for what seemed an age, was very downbeat in interviews again, and then declined to attend a stewards’ enquiry about a rather ambitious move Max Verstappen made on him during the race in the blind and fast Turn 4, in which Lewis chose to drive off the road to avoid contact,” Brundle wrote.

Brundle added that Hamilton “did not want to contest the incident” and left the matter to his team, while Verstappen attended and avoided a penalty.

Looking Ahead to the Summer Break

With F1 now entering its summer break, Hamilton made it clear that he intends to use the time to reset.

“It’s been a challenging weekend and one to move on from,” he said in Ferrari’s post-race debrief.

“We weren’t able to make the progress we hoped for but I’m grateful for the effort everyone in the team put in throughout the weekend.

Now we head into the break. I’ll be using the time to reset, recharge and come back stronger. I’m not where I want to be yet, but the fight’s not over – don’t count me out.”

Brundle Questions Future Longevity

Brundle expressed doubts over whether Hamilton could continue at this level for two more seasons.

“It’s painful to observe this great champion in so much strife, and we have to expect that he can weather the storm and return to form given his talent and experience, but otherwise I simply can’t see him enduring two more seasons at Ferrari, or anywhere else, like this,” he wrote.

Ferrari’s Wider Struggles

It was not just Hamilton who suffered in Budapest.

Charles Leclerc took pole position but saw his race unravel after a second pit stop and a late penalty.

Ongoing issues with tyre pressures and chassis sensitivity remain a major concern for the team.

As the season pauses, both Hamilton and Ferrari face pressing questions about how to return to front-running competitiveness.

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The Monegasque driver took his first pole of the 2025 season in Budapest, delivering a stunning lap that outpaced both McLarens, while team-mate Lewis Hamilton qualified in 12th.

It marked Leclerc’s 27th career pole, but his conversion rate remains low, with only five of those starts turning into victories.

Strong Start, Rapid Decline

At the start of Sunday’s race, Leclerc looked capable of challenging for victory, keeping both McLaren title contenders at bay and briefly pulling away from championship leader Oscar Piastri.

However, his pace fell sharply during the second half of the race.

He eventually crossed the line more than 42 seconds behind winner Lando Norris and outside the podium places.

Post-race radio exchanges revealed Leclerc’s frustration, and he later confirmed the car’s issues had made winning impossible.

Honest Reflection After Frustrating Weekend

“A weekend of ups and downs,” Leclerc wrote on Instagram.

“First pole of the season but unfortunately a much more difficult race with issues that made the win impossible.

“We’ll keep pushing for the second half but before that, it’s time to resttttttttt.”

Hamilton Under Pressure

The Hungarian GP marked the final race before F1’s mandatory summer break, during which drivers and teams must take 14 consecutive days off.

While the pause offers rest for all, Hamilton may benefit most as he works to reset his season.

Since becoming Leclerc’s team-mate in January, Hamilton has been outqualified in 10 of 14 races and trails by 42 points in the drivers’ standings.

Leclerc has secured five podiums and now a pole position this year, while Hamilton has yet to record either.

The Briton’s frustrations surfaced during the weekend when he suggested he was “useless” and hinted his seat could be better used by another driver.

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Despite his reputation as one of the calmer figures on the grid, the Ferrari driver has shown signs of emotional strain during a season filled with setbacks.

German publication Bild compiled a ranking of drivers based on their outbursts over the radio, placing Leclerc at the top due to several heated moments.

The report cited exchanges with race engineer Bryan Bozzi, including one in Bahrain where Leclerc exclaimed, “What the hell did you do?” following a mechanical issue.

In Imola, Leclerc was heard complaining after safety car interruptions, stating, “Unbelievable! I’m always being fooled with these virtual safety cars or safety cars.”

Later in the race, he expressed dismay at being instructed to let Alex Albon pass, saying, “Is this how racing works these days? It’s a f****** joke.”

Another incident in Canada saw Leclerc questioning pit stop decisions: “I don’t understand why we stopped? The tyres were good.”

Wider Trend of Radio Frustration in F1

Leclerc’s emotional responses have placed him among several drivers known for venting over the radio, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen’s dispute with George Russell after their Spanish Grand Prix clash was highlighted, while Hamilton’s tense exchanges with his engineer Riccardo Adami also stood out.

Carlos Sainz, Yuki Tsunoda, and Fernando Alonso were similarly noted for their radio complaints.

In contrast, Isack Hadjar, Esteban Ocon, and Nico Hulkenberg were praised for maintaining composure.

With the Austrian Grand Prix around the corner, the pressure could once again bring driver tempers to the fore.

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So far, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari hasn’t delivered the success many expected, with the team securing just two podiums this season, both achieved by Charles Leclerc.

The seven-time world champion is now turning to familiar ground at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where he has enjoyed immense success in the past.

A Dominant Record at Barcelona

The Spanish GP has been a fruitful venue for Hamilton over the years.

He shares the record for the most wins at the track with Michael Schumacher, each claiming six victories.

What’s more, Hamilton is one of only two drivers to have won at the Barcelona circuit in the last nine seasons.

Between 2017 and 2021, Hamilton dominated the event, winning five times in a row.

The only other driver to claim victory during this stretch is Max Verstappen, who won in 2016 and then again in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

As pointed out by a fan on X, this remarkable trend could hint at another top result for Hamilton or Verstappen, who are the only winners of this race since 2016.

A Turning Point for the Title Race?

While Hamilton’s strong record at the Spanish GP bodes well, success this weekend will ultimately depend on Ferrari’s pace relative to McLaren, who have been the dominant force so far this season.

The event could also mark a turning point in the 2025 title race, as changes in regulations may disrupt the current pecking order.

The FIA is introducing a new technical directive in Spain targeting the front wings of F1 cars.

The aim is to crack down on flexible wings, which many believe have played a key role in McLaren’s recent dominance.

These new regulations are expected to impact team performance, with both Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur hoping for a shift in the championship balance.

Upgrades and Expectations

Most teams are set to bring updated car parts to comply with the directive, which could open up fresh opportunities for teams like Ferrari and Red Bull to close the gap to McLaren.

A similar measure targeting rear wings was introduced earlier in the season at the Chinese GP, but had little effect on the competitive order.

Now, all eyes will be on whether this latest move from the FIA will be enough to shake things up.

For Hamilton, who is still searching for his first win with Ferrari, the timing could be ideal.

If the changes work in Ferrari’s favor and the British driver can recapture his Barcelona form, he may finally step back on the top step of the podium in red.

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A Campaign in Reverse

Ferrari entered 2025 boasting wind-tunnel whispers of a half-second gain, yet after seven races the SF-25 has delivered only one podium for Leclerc and none for incoming superstar Lewis Hamilton.

McLaren sits comfortably atop both championships, with Max Verstappen keeping Red Bull in striking distance and Mercedes edging Ferrari for third in the Constructors’ table.

Leclerc lies fifth, 85 points off Oscar Piastri, a deficit that has triggered fresh scrutiny of Maranello’s leadership and car-development path.

Vasseur Under the Microscope

Calls for change intensified after another low-key showing in Imola, but Leclerc said, “I’ve always said I have total trust in Fred and I truly believe he is the right person to bring Ferrari back to the top.”

He added, “He really is the one who can make it win. I’ve always said it.”

The 26-year-old insisted that the atmosphere under Vasseur is less “toxic” than previous eras and credits the Frenchman for fostering accountability without blame culture.

Contract Signals and Exit Chatter

Leclerc signed an extension last year that Italian media believe runs through the first season of Formula 1’s 2026 rule reset, yet former team boss Guenther Steiner urged him to consider a “new challenge” if Ferrari cannot return to the front.

Asked directly whether he could walk away, Leclerc fired back, “Of course not, there is absolutely no chance.”

“I believe in the project and I believe in Fred,” he said.

“Clearly, it’s a complicated moment and in times like this it’s easy to have doubts.”

“But I’m not thinking about leaving Ferrari, I want to win with Ferrari. And I will stay as long as I believe in this project. And I believe in it.”

Championship Mathematics

History offers mixed hope: Red Bull lost the early lead last season, yet Ferrari’s current gap is larger than the one McLaren overturned.

Leclerc argues that unpredictable reliability and the looming Spanish technical directive could shuffle the order, insisting, “I will give my all until the end to try to win the title this year.”

Even so, insiders say Ferrari’s development war chest is now focused on re-profiled side-pods and a lighter floor due to debut in Canada—upgrades that must succeed to keep Vasseur safe from boardroom pressure.

What Lies Ahead

The Monaco Grand Prix presents both opportunity and risk for the home favourite: the street circuit traditionally masks power-unit deficits but punishes small mistakes, as evidenced by last season’s qualifying heartbreak.

Ferrari engineers believe the SF-25’s improved mechanical grip will shine in slow-speed corners, yet simulations also warn that tyre warm-up remains a weak point, especially if heavy clouds rob the track of temperature.

Success in Monte Carlo would buy Vasseur time, calm investors and vindicate Leclerc’s public loyalty; another setback could embolden those urging a drastic rethink before 2026.

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Hamilton revealed that he and the Maranello engineers spent the early part of the week “So I was in the simulator on Monday, I was in nice and early in the morning,” to develop what he calls “some ideas” aimed at unlocking one-lap speed.

The initiative follows a bruising double Q2 exit at Imola that left Hamilton fourth and Charles Leclerc sixth on home soil, underlining how the SF-25 has struggled to light up soft tyres when it counts.

Team principal Fred Vasseur has admitted Ferrari “can’t extract the potential of the soft tyre in qualifying,” a flaw that has so far yielded just one front-row grid slot from nine sessions in 2025.

Qualifying Pain Drives Urgency

Saturday matters more than ever at Monaco, where 32 of 70 Grands Prix have been won from pole and only ten by drivers starting outside the top three.

Hamilton describes qualifying as “our big weakness this year,” noting, “We’re not extracting the performance from the tyres and that’s something we are working on. I had some ideas, the team had some ideas, and so we will try those this weekend.”

Simulator Marathon and Cultural Shift

Hamilton says the post-Imola debrief extended straight into Maranello’s simulator, where “It’s really incredible to see the engineers and the mechanics, it does not stop. They go home on the Sunday night, and then they are in the factory the next day. It just does not stop, they’re churning through the data.”

“I’m feeling more at home in the team, things work differently here. They’ve never had anyone like me here, and so it’s been challenging on both sides.

“But we’re really finding harmony I think in the way that we’re moving forwards. I hope that that starts to reflect.”

First Time in Red on Monaco’s Streets

Hamilton calls Monaco in Ferrari colours a fresh novelty even after 327 grand-prix starts.

“Every weekend is something new,” he said, recalling how Imola required him to learn a different garage layout and even find his room in the motorhome.

“This weekend walking into the garage it’s all red, it’s the first time I’ve been in Monaco… I’ve never been in the Ferrari garage in Monaco. I’ve always walked past it, I always wondered what it’d be like to be in the team. I just didn’t see it until now and it’s awesome.”

He added that he “for years always wondered what a Ferrari would feel like around this track,” and while unsure how the SF-25 will respond, he is “definitely excited to experience it.”

Leclerc Holds Local Hopes

Home favourite Leclerc, who broke his Monaco victory duck last year, is banking on the new ideas to deliver another magical Saturday.

“I hope we’ll discover something new about our car that we haven’t seen yet since the beginning of the season,” he said.

“Until we get to qualifying and until that lap in Q3, you have the hope of doing something magic because you don’t really know where you stand.

“So, I will have my hopes until the end. So, I still have hopes that we can reproduce what happened last year.

“Obviously, it’s still very fresh in my mind to come back in this paddock. The last time I was there, we won, and it was a very special moment for me.”

What Success Would Mean

If Ferrari’s tweaks translate into a front-row berth, the team could stem a momentum swing toward McLaren and close the gap in both titles before the European stretch intensifies.

Hamilton insists the strategy is worth the gamble even on a circuit that punishes experimentation.

“It’s not the best place to try those things but we will try to make a step in qualifying. It’s a natural progression over the year,” he said.

Monaco will reveal whether those simulator hours and fresh ideas become the breakthrough Ferrari desperately needs.

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