Ferrari's 'Serious Irritations' Over Hamilton's Performance and High Cost

Ferrari's leadership is reportedly frustrated with Lewis Hamilton's performance, especially given his substantial salary, following a double DNF in Brazil and a disappointing F1 season. While Ferrari's WEC teams clinched titles, the F1 division continues to struggle, leading to sharp criticism from chairman John Elkann and fueling internal tensions.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's chairman, John Elkann, publicly criticized the F1 team, stating "the rest is not up to par" after a dismal Brazilian Grand Prix. This rare direct condemnation from the top highlights deep-seated issues within the Scuderia. With Lewis Hamilton's high-profile move and considerable salary, his perceived lack of on-track delivery, especially when contrasted with the team's struggles, is creating significant internal "irritations" and raising questions about accountability and future direction for the iconic team.

The details:

• Elkann's Outburst: After Ferrari's World Endurance Championship (WEC) teams secured both the Manufacturers' and Drivers' titles, John Elkann expressed "huge disappointment" with the F1 team's performance, specifically citing the Brazilian Grand Prix where both Leclerc and Hamilton retired with crash damage. Ferrari scored only six points while 58 were available.
• "Not Up to Par": Elkann praised the mechanics and engineers but declared, "The rest is not up to par. We have drivers who need to focus on driving, talk less, and we have important races ahead of us." He emphasized that "Ferrari wins when it is united."
• Hamilton's Performance: Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos echoed Elkann's sentiment, specifically targeting Lewis Hamilton. Doornbos noted that Ferrari is "happy to transfer 2.5 million to Hamilton every weekend, but he doesn't deliver anything for it," labeling his current experience as a "nightmare."
• Driver Frustration: Hamilton himself described his current situation as a "nightmare," a stark contrast to his dream of driving for Ferrari. He faces the real possibility of completing his debut season without a single podium finish.
• Team Unity Concerns: Both Leclerc and Hamilton posted messages on Instagram after Elkann's comments, seemingly attempting to foster unity, which Doornbos suggested indicates "serious irritations" within the team.

What's next:

The pressure is mounting on Ferrari, with much riding on the 2025 season and the introduction of new car designs and power units. Doornbos suggests that Hamilton needs a "cannon of an engine" from Ferrari to turn his fortunes around and become a "hero of Italy." The team's ability to resolve these internal tensions and deliver a competitive package will be crucial for their immediate future and Hamilton's legacy at the Scuderia. If reliability issues and performance gaps persist, the "irritations" are likely to intensify.