Former Ferrari F1 Chief Doubts Lewis Hamilton Signing Impact

Former Ferrari F1 boss Mattia Binotto recently shared his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, raising questions about the timing of the seven-time world champion’s switch to the Italian team. Hamilton signed with Ferrari for the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, ending a highly decorated 12-year run with Mercedes where he secured multiple championships and set numerous records.

As of June 2025, Hamilton has struggled to make a strong impact at Ferrari and has yet to take his first podium with the team, despite holding an impressive career tally.

Binotto, who led Ferrari as team principal from 2019 to 2022 and has a long history with the organization, pointed out that Hamilton joined the team at age 40, a period he suggests might be past the peak years for a Formula 1 driver. According to Binotto, Ferrari could have benefited more if they had attracted Hamilton while he was still in his prime, particularly during the years when he was dominating with Mercedes.

“Hamilton is of a certain age,” Binotto said, emphasizing that signing him earlier would have aligned better with Ferrari’s ambitions for competitiveness.

Ferrari faced high expectations at the start of the 2025 campaign but has found itself unable to challenge McLaren and Red Bull for race wins. After nine rounds in the current season, Ferrari sits second in the constructors’ standings with 165 points, trailing McLaren’s 362.

Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc has also struggled for consistency, though he holds fifth place in the driver standings with 94 points, while Hamilton ranks sixth with 71. The team has been looking for improvements but is still searching for the right formula to return to regular podium finishes.

Despite the rocky start, Binotto still believes in the team’s potential and praised the dedication of Ferrari’s staff. Drawing on his experience with the organization, he expressed confidence that the team would find its way forward and develop a more competitive car.

“They are good, strong and capable,” Binotto stated, adding that he expects Ferrari to show progress in the remaining races of the season. His perspective highlights both the challenges faced by the team and the belief that success is still within reach.

Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has been a major topic throughout the Formula 1 paddock, with many commentators debating whether the British driver can recapture his top form at this stage in his career. The 2025 campaign has seen his name remain prominent in headlines, especially as fans and analysts weigh his performances compared to his Mercedes years. Hamilton’s response to Ferrari claims has also added fuel to the ongoing discussions.

Discussions have also surfaced around whether Ferrari’s move is paying off, especially given the strength of the competition from drivers like Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who lead the standings for McLaren. McLaren’s strong position, supported by drivers such as Lewis Hamilton’s former Monaco rival, has been a key talking point this season (McLaren and Lewis Hamilton Monaco).

Looking ahead, Ferrari’s immediate focus is on closing the gap to the top teams as the season continues, with important races coming up at the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15 and the Austrian Grand Prix at the end of the month. For Hamilton, finding his rhythm and scoring that first podium with Ferrari remain key targets, especially under the pressure at Ferrari that comes with high expectations.

The combination of Hamilton’s experience and Ferrari’s historic legacy has created a compelling narrative for F1 fans, and the rest of the season will be critical in determining if the partnership can deliver the results both parties desire.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.