Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Feedback & Team's 'Negativity' Response Amidst F1 Updates

Lewis Hamilton has "so many notes" for Ferrari following a challenging Qatar Grand Prix, as team boss Fred Vasseur addresses the "negativity" surrounding the Scuderia. This comes as F1 gears up for the Abu Dhabi season finale, with other significant news involving Yuki Tsunoda's Red Bull demotion and Cadillac's upcoming F1 livery reveal.

Why it matters:

• Ferrari's struggles, particularly in Qatar, highlight the ongoing challenges the team faces as it approaches the 2025 season with Lewis Hamilton joining. Hamilton's critical feedback is crucial for future development.
• Addressing "negativity" is vital for team morale and performance, as Ferrari aims to improve its competitiveness. Vasseur's comparison to Max Verstappen's journey underscores the belief that overcoming current difficulties is possible.
• Changes in the driver market and the entry of new teams like Cadillac signal significant shifts in the F1 landscape, impacting future grids and team dynamics.

The Details:

• Hamilton's Ferrari Feedback: After a disappointing Qatar Grand Prix where he struggled in qualifying for both the Sprint and the Grand Prix, Hamilton has amassed "so many notes" for Ferrari on areas for improvement. Ferrari only scored four points through Charles Leclerc in Qatar, underscoring their performance issues.
• Vasseur on "Negativity": Fred Vasseur acknowledges and agrees with Hamilton's assessment that external "negativity" does not help the team. He cited Max Verstappen's ability to bounce back from difficult periods at Red Bull as proof that Ferrari can overcome its current challenges.
• Hamilton to Miss Abu Dhabi FP1: Hamilton will miss the first practice session in Abu Dhabi as Ferrari fulfills its rookie driver quota. Charles Leclerc will share the track with his brother Arthur, creating an all-Leclerc FP1 line-up. This means one less hour of practice for Hamilton in his bid to avoid a podium-less season.
• Yuki Tsunoda's Future: Yuki Tsunoda will not retain a race seat for the next season, with Isack Hadjar set to take his spot at Red Bull. Tsunoda will transition to a Red Bull test and reserve driver role but remains defiant, stating he is "not finished" despite this "setback" in his F1 career.
• Cadillac F1 Livery Reveal: Cadillac, set to join F1 as the 11th team in 2026, has confirmed its inaugural livery will be revealed on Sunday, February 8, 2026. This announcement will take place during an $8 million advertising slot on Super Bowl Sunday, emphasizing the brand's American roots and global aspirations.

What's next:

• Lewis Hamilton will be pushing hard in Abu Dhabi to secure a podium finish and avoid his first season without one in his F1 career.
• Ferrari will continue to process Hamilton's feedback and strategize for future improvements as the current season concludes and preparations for 2025 intensify.
• The F1 world will be watching Cadillac's progress towards its 2026 entry, with the Super Bowl livery reveal marking a significant milestone in their journey. Yuki Tsunoda's future performances as a reserve driver will also be under scrutiny as he aims to return to a full-time seat.