On May 12, 2025, Formula 1 fans were left stunned as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton unfollowed all accounts on Instagram, including his current team, Scuderia Ferrari. The move sparked widespread speculation about the Briton’s relationship with the Italian team, especially since his contract with Ferrari, signed in early 2024, remains active through the 2025 season with an option to extend into 2026. Hamilton’s social media activity—or lack thereof—has often been a barometer of his emotions, and this latest purge has reignited debates about his satisfaction with Ferrari, his future in the sport, and his approach to handling pressure both on and off the track.

Hamilton’s Instagram account, which boasts over 30 million followers, has long been a platform where fans glimpse his life, from his racing triumphs to his fashion endeavors and advocacy for social causes. However, the 40-year-old driver has a history of dramatic social media moves during challenging moments in his career. In 2021, after a controversial championship loss to Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton unfollowed everyone on Instagram, a move he repeated in 2022 amid retirement rumors. Now, in 2025, his decision to unfollow all accounts, including Ferrari and even his beloved dog Roscoe’s account, which he manages, has raised eyebrows. Fans on social media platforms like X have noted the timing, with some speculating that Hamilton might be signaling discontent with Ferrari, while others see it as a personal reset amid a tough season.

Ferrari has had a mixed 2025 season so far. While Charles Leclerc has secured three wins, placing him second in the drivers’ championship, Hamilton has struggled to adapt to the SF-25 car, managing only one podium finish in the first six races. The team sits third in the constructors’ standings, behind McLaren and Red Bull, with Hamilton’s performance drawing scrutiny. Posts on X indicate that both Hamilton and Leclerc unfollowed Ferrari on Instagram around the same time, fueling rumors of internal tensions. Some fans pointed out that Hamilton’s move might reflect frustration with the team’s strategy or car development, especially after he was heard on team radio during the Miami Grand Prix on May 4 expressing concerns about tire management. However, without an official statement from Hamilton or Ferrari, these remain unconfirmed theories.

This isn’t the first time Hamilton has used social media to make a statement. In 2018, he wiped his Instagram page after backlash over comments about his nephew’s clothing, and in 2019, he deleted posts during an emotional outburst about climate change. Each time, Hamilton eventually returned to the platform, often with renewed focus. His current Instagram purge comes just days after the Miami Grand Prix, where he finished sixth, and amid his ongoing partnership with fashion brand Lululemon, which he has been promoting since February 2025. On May 11, Hamilton shared a mirror selfie on his Instagram story, wearing Lululemon gear, suggesting he hasn’t entirely abandoned the platform despite the unfollow spree.

The timing of Hamilton’s actions also coincides with a busy period in his personal and professional life. On May 5, he co-chaired the 2025 Met Gala in New York, showcasing his influence in the fashion world, and he continues to work on his Mission 44 initiative, which recently partnered with Lululemon’s Centre for Social Impact to empower young people. On the track, however, Hamilton faces pressure to improve his results with Ferrari, especially as Leclerc consistently outperforms him. Some fans on X speculated that Hamilton’s unfollowing of Ferrari could be a subtle protest against the team’s priorities, while others believe it’s simply a way for the driver to clear his mind and refocus.

Ferrari has not commented on Hamilton’s social media activity, but team principal Fred Vasseur has previously downplayed any tension, stating after the Miami race that Hamilton is “fully committed” to the team’s goals. Hamilton’s contract ensures he remains with Ferrari at least until the end of this season, and his recent comments in interviews suggest he has no plans to retire soon, aiming to compete for an elusive eighth title. Yet, his history of using social media as an outlet for frustration keeps fans guessing about his true feelings.

As the Formula 1 season progresses, with the next race in Spain on June 1, all eyes will be on Hamilton’s performance and his relationship with Ferrari. Whether this Instagram purge is a sign of deeper issues or simply a personal choice to declutter his digital space, it has undoubtedly added another layer of intrigue to Hamilton’s 2025 journey. For now, the champion remains silent, leaving fans and analysts to speculate on what’s next for one of the sport’s greatest drivers.