No easy way out for Ferrari in Hamilton contract saga

Lewis Hamilton’s pointed remarks ahead of Formula 1’s August shutdown have reignited talk about his future, but reports indicate Ferrari has little room to manoeuvre.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 40-year-old - who in Hungary branded himself “useless” and even dared Ferrari to replace him - is locked into a firm agreement for 2025 and 2026, with a 2027 option entirely under his own control.

“Ferrari will stick with him, no matter what,” the Italian daily stated.

Some observers link Hamilton’s outburst to an earlier disclosure that he had supplied the team with detailed documentation on the organisational and technical changes he believes are needed.

Former F1 driver Christian Danner told the AvD (Automobilclub von Deutschland) podcast: “Hamilton beating himself up like that and pretending that he has forgotten how to drive, I think it’s a bit of a ploy.

“It’s like he’s exaggerating to get attention. I’m sure he did it on purpose. He doesn’t really doubt himself. It’s a signal to Ferrari - ‘if you think I don’t know what I’m doing, you’re going to be surprised’.”

On Viaplay, ex-Bridgestone F1 engineer Kees van de Grint noted that Ferrari’s internal options are scarce: “Who would even replace him? Of the drivers they have under contract, Bearman and Giovinazzi are the only ones, but do we seriously think things will improve then? Then the problem still hasn’t been solved.”

Former McLaren and Williams race winner Juan Pablo Montoya told AS Colombia he understands Hamilton’s adjustment phase: “The engineers are starting to understand, but they still don’t fully grasp how difficult these cars are to drive.

"I think if Ferrari adapts the car more to Lewis’s style and he feels more comfortable, life will become more difficult for Charles. It hasn’t been too difficult for him so far, but we’ll see.”

Veteran Italian F1 writer Leo Turrini argued in Quotidiano that Hamilton misread the Charles Leclerc challenge: “In my opinion, yes, Lewis underestimated Charles in good faith.

"He bought the story that he wasn’t superior to Sainz and other bullshit like that. When he realised his mistake, coinciding with a truly modest car, his mood darkened. But it’s up to him to dig himself out of the hole.”

Leclerc, meanwhile, is keeping his response measured for now, saying: “At the end of the day, we’re a team, and as much as I want to finish ahead of Lewis, I want both of us to be successful, and for Ferrari to be successful.”