A former Ferrari driver has brutally told Lewis Hamilton that he was not wanted at Maranello as the seven-time world champion’s struggles with the Italian team continue
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move has been a nightmare so far(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton has been told that the majority of Ferrari staff were opposed to his signing as he battles to salvage his 2025 campaign.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion has endured a nightmare season since joining the legendary Italian outfit. He has been unable to secure a single grand prix podium across the opening 14 races, though he did claim an unexpected sprint race triumph in China.
Despite sporadic glimpses of potential, Hamilton has consistently been overshadowed by team-mate Charles Leclerc. His campaign reached rock-bottom during the last race in Hungary prior to the summer break when he could only manage 12th in qualifying, while Leclerc took an unexpected pole position.
Following the session, Hamilton described himself as “useless” and suggested that Ferrari should find a replacement.
After limping home in the same position during the grand prix, he revealed there was “a lot going on in the background that is not great,” sparking rumours of tension between himself and the squad.
With the 2025 season set to resume at the Dutch Grand Prix later this month, former Ferrari driver Arturo Merzario, who raced in the 1970s, has labelled his signing a “commercial operation” and suspects Hamilton feels under-appreciated by the team.
Hamilton has been brutal about his own performances this season(Image: Getty Images)
The 82-year-old motorsport executive told to Gazzetta dello Sport: “In my opinion, Hamilton’s arrival in Maranello was a commercial operation. As far as I know, 90 per cent of the employees at Ferrari did not approve of this decision.
“And then, when a driver does not feel valued or an integral part of the group to achieve a goal, he loses motivation. Why go crazy to gain three-tenths while still remaining on the third row?”
Reflecting on Hamilton’s “useless” outburst in Hungary, Merzario added: “That statement was a bit ironic to me.
“But, of course, this position is not acceptable for a seven-time world champion. It seems to me that Lewis feels like someone who has been destroyed by Ferrari.”
Hamilton has been outpaced by Charles Leclerc(Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Despite such a bleak evaluation, Merzario maintains that Hamilton’s career isn’t beyond redemption, proposing the Briton could secure a drive elsewhere should his Ferrari partnership deteriorate irreparably.
He explained: “It’s not over. He is just waiting for the right opportunity. He will only risk when necessary, not for an eighth position. Also, because if he ever wanted to leave, he would find another team.
“Hamilton has already shown what he is worth. It’s not Charles Leclerc’s situation. Charles still has to prove that he is a champion.”