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Ferrari Struggles to Meet Lewis Hamilton’s Demands After Major Shake-Up
Highlights
- Hamilton’s brake request switched to Carbon Industrie from Brembo.
- Carbon Industrie brakes introduced at Japanese Grand Prix in March.
- Leclerc adopted same brakes after struggles in Canada and Monaco.
- Not all Hamilton’s demands fulfilled due to budget and strategy.
- Vasseur values driver input but prioritizes team cost and goals.
- Hamilton’s arrival brought beneficial shake-up to Ferrari team culture.
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur says not all of Lewis Hamilton’s requests have been met, citing cost-cap limits and strategy priorities after Hamilton’s move to Ferrari as team readies for 2026.
The seven-time champion pushed for changes after a bruising 2025, notably a switch from Brembo brake discs to Carbon Industrie to address brake feel concerns in his first Ferrari season.
From the Japanese Grand Prix in March, Hamilton ran Carbon Industrie discs, familiar from his 12 Mercedes seasons and 84 wins, including six of his seven titles.
Charles Leclerc adopted the same specification after difficult weekends in Canada and Monaco, suggesting the alternative friction material helped confidence on entry and stability under peak energy.
Hamilton switched from Brembo to Carbon Industrie, first raced at the Japanese Grand Prix in March.
Vasseur said some wish-list items fell outside the cost cap or clashed with development direction, as outlined when Hamilton was denied some Ferrari requests.
He argued drivers prioritise personal feel, while the team must weigh cost, performance trade-offs, and homologation timelines for parts like brakes within Formula 1’s regulatory framework.
Vasseur: Drivers’ priorities differ from the team’s cost-cap realities and long-term development plan.
Even so, Vasseur welcomed the shake-up Hamilton brought, arguing fresh perspectives prevent comfort and speed cultural change, echoing the overhaul Hamilton brought to Ferrari.
That partnership relies on frank exchanges and shared accountability. Vasseur concedes he is not always right, and wants debate to eliminate excuses and sharpen development focus.
Leclerc followed Hamilton onto Carbon Industrie after Canada and Monaco difficulties.
With Hamilton’s championship pedigree and Leclerc’s feedback, Ferrari targets a stronger 2026 baseline, balancing driver preference with cost-cap discipline and an aggressive upgrade surge through the season.
Visual Summary
DENIED
✔︎ BRAKES
LH
+ Ferrari
+ Ferrari
Hamilton Brings
Change—But Not Every Wish
Comes True at Ferrari
Change—But Not Every Wish
Comes True at Ferrari
✔︎
Brakes: Changed
|
Other demands: ⛔ Denied
New energy, new challenges.
Brakes: Changed
|
Other demands: ⛔ Denied
New energy, new challenges.
“We can’t do everything for one driver—the team comes first.”
—Fred Vasseur
—Fred Vasseur
🤝
🏁
Improvement is a journey — not a shortcut.
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
