Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari has not but yielded the outcomes many anticipated, however the seven-time world champion continues to play an important function behind the scenes. Because the crew prepares for this weekend’s São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos, former driver Jacques Villeneuve has opined that Hamilton’s affect inside Ferrari has been each transformative and, at instances, counterproductive.
The British driver joined Ferrari this season amid large anticipation, however he’s nonetheless and not using a podium after 20 races. The crew stays second within the Constructors’ standings, with Pink Bull and Mercedes closing in. Whereas Charles Leclerc has scored six podiums to guide Ferrari’s efforts, Hamilton’s contribution has been extra inner, serving to lay the groundwork for the 2026 regulation modifications.
1997 world champion Villeneuve praised Hamilton’s management method however warned that it comes with trade-offs.
“Lewis has had the tempo the previous few races,” Villeneuve mentioned (by way of Poker Technique). “He appears to have been working extra on the crew, whereas Leclerc has been complaining extra. It feels that Lewis has been specializing in ensuring he has the appropriate individuals and the appropriate crew round him.”
Lewis Hamilton’s expertise has been an asset for Ferrari. The crew continues to be chasing its first world title since 2007, whereas the #44 driver has gained seven throughout that point.
The Briton has hung out within the storage giving suggestions to engineers and mechanics, as reliability points and tire put on have restricted his personal races.
“Subsequent yr he’s been making an attempt to vary the best way of working as properly,” Villeneuve added. “And it appears that evidently it’s in all probability serving to the entire crew and not directly it’s additionally serving to Leclerc carry out. So, he’s been an excellent addition in that respect, however it’s additionally serving his teammate. That is likely to be the difficulty for him.”
Hamilton’s technical enter and deal with construction mirror the foundation-building work he as soon as did at Mercedes, which in the end produced years of dominance.
Ferrari personnel modifications as Interlagos awaits Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari crew has made a notable change. Riccardo Corte, considered one of his efficiency engineers, is ready to go away the Scuderia after an 11-year profession. Corte, who beforehand labored with each Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, is certain for Grove Racing – the 2025 Bathurst 1000 winners.
It comes forward of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, the place Ferrari will hope to regain misplaced floor. The Interlagos circuit is quick, technical, and unpredictable, the place Hamilton gained 3 times – in 2016, 2018, and 2021. Nevertheless, with the Dash format in place, drivers could have just one observe session earlier than aggressive working begins.
The climate might once more play a decisive function as heavy rain is forecast all through the weekend. The São Paulo spherical additionally carries additional significance for Lewis Hamilton, who has two Dash podiums this season, together with a win in Shanghai.
Edited by Parag Jain