Ferrari accused of snubbing Hamilton after 'dossiers' Hamilton mood sparks Ferrari 'snub' rumours

A growing list of voices across Europe is questioning Ferrari’s treatment of Lewis Hamilton, as speculation swirls around the seven-time champion’s difficult first season in red.

Amid a tough Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton described himself as “useless” and suggested Ferrari “get another driver.”

He later added that “a lot is going on in the background that’s not great,” fuelling rumours of internal friction. One such rumour, circulated by Sport1 in Germany, suggests Ferrari may have sidelined Hamilton after he sent the team internal dossiers with suggestions about car and team changes — opting instead to focus around pole-sitter Charles Leclerc.

But former F1 racer Marc Surer isn’t convinced. “What would Ferrari gain from this? They’d only hurt themselves,” he told F1-Insider. “Lewis must continue adapting to the car, just like Leclerc does.”

Others were more blunt. Bernie Ecclestone said: “The safety car is more likely to win a race than Hamilton will become world champion again.” Sky Deutschland’s Ralf Schumacher added: “You don’t have to drive in circles your whole life.” Franz Tost, the former Alpha Tauri boss and longtime Schumacher family confidant, rejected comparisons with Michael Schumacher’s 2010 comeback.

“We’re talking about two completely different things. Michael had to get used to a new F1 system. Lewis didn’t. His problem is the car’s handling — not his age.”

La Gazzetta dello Sport published a wide range of Italian opinion on Hamilton’s form. Jarno Trulli called him “a mystery,” saying he no longer “shines” on track. Ivan Capelli said Hamilton is “living a double life” — appearing strong off-track, but struggling in the car.

“He’s lost the smile in his eyes,” Capelli said. “What used to be his strength — guiding the team in tough times — is now gone.” Arturo Merzario, a former Ferrari driver from the 1970s, suggested Hamilton never felt welcomed. “Ninety percent of Ferrari insiders disagreed with the decision to sign him,” he said. “It was a commercial move. Lewis doesn’t feel valued, and that kills motivation.”

Sky Italia’s Vicky Piria said Hamilton is in “despair, not disinterest,” after misjudging the challenge of integrating at Ferrari. “He joined a team not built around him, with no relationships already in place,” she noted. Davide Valsecchi said Ferrari won the off-season “PR war” with the Hamilton coup, but now risk a painful hangover: “I would’ve gone with a younger driver.”

Still, several voices believe Hamilton can turn it around. Matteo Bobbi, Vitantonio Liuzzi, Giancarlo Minardi, and Emanuele Pirro all argue that the 2026 regulation overhaul could offer a fresh reset. “Lewis is still hungry,” Pirro said. “But he hasn’t found his comfort zone yet. He’s more sensitive than people think — and that showed in Hungary.”