Maranello, 3 June 2025 – The world of Formula 1 has been rocked by a bombshell: Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, has expressed his desire to terminate his contract with Ferrari after just nine races in the 2025 season. According to rumours, the British driver has released a statement of just eight words, described as “strong” and unequivocal, in which he expresses his frustration and his intention to leave the Maranello team. The statement, made after the disappointing Spanish Grand Prix, comes at a time of growing tension between Hamilton, his teammates and team principal Frédéric Vasseur.
The Spanish GP, held in Barcelona, was a negative turning point for Ferrari. Expectations were high, especially after the introduction of the new technical directive on front wings. However, the SF-25 failed to compete with the McLarens of Piastri and Norris, who dominated qualifying and free practice. Hamilton, in particular, finished the race in a disappointing position, ninth, more than a second behind the leader, while his teammate Charles Leclerc obtained a seventh place. During practice, Hamilton had already expressed his discontent on the radio, calling the car “undriveable” and underlining the difficulties in adapting to the new regulations.
Criticism has not been long in coming. Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur has called Hamilton’s complaints on the radio “exaggerated,” suggesting that the driver needs to adapt better to the team’s working methods. Charles Leclerc, while maintaining a relationship of mutual respect with Hamilton, also seems to have distanced himself, focusing on his own performance. The pressure on Hamilton has increased, fueling speculation of an internal crisis. Some posts on X have reported a visibly frustrated Hamilton, with one describing him as “raising the white flag” after the Spanish GP.
The statement attributed to Hamilton, “I just want to go home… No more Ferrari”, although not officially confirmed, has been making the rounds in the paddock, fuelling debate over the driver’s future. Sources close to the team suggest that Hamilton feels isolated, unable to match Leclerc’s pace and disappointed by the car’s lack of competitiveness. His experience at Maranello, which began with great expectations on January 20, 2025, already seems to be in the balance.
Ferrari, for its part, finds itself in a delicate position. Hamilton’s €50 million per season signing was seen as a market coup to relaunch the brand and aim for the world title. However, inconsistent results and internal tensions put this gamble at risk. Hamilton’s multi-year contract, which extends to 2027, includes clauses that could allow for an early separation, but at what cost to both parties?
As Formula 1 prepares for the next Grand Prix, the world looks to Maranello, wondering if this “love story” between Hamilton and Ferrari is already destined to end. Only time will tell if the British champion will be able to find his magic again or if this will be remembered as one of the most daring and unsuccessful gambles in the history of the Reds.
