Former Ferrari team principal, Mattia Binotto, has claimed that the Italian team may have made a mistake signing Lewis Hamilton in the twilight of his career, rather than his peak. The Briton has struggled to settle in at Maranello in 2025, following his move over from Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari was the biggest pre-season story heading into the 2025 F1 season. This was because the sport’s most successful driver was joining its most successful team. Ferrari had also just narrowly missed out on the Constructors’ title in 2024, and many expected them to be competing for the prize yet again in 2025.
But things haven’t panned out exactly how the Tifosi would have hoped for so far this year. Ferrari have looked off the pace, and have been unable to win a single race so far this season. Hamilton has also been nowhere near his teammate Charles Leclerc, who is dominating the head-to-head in both qualifying and races.
Former Ferrari team principal, Mattia Binotto, has raised questions over the timing of Hamilton’s move to the Italian side. Speaking to Italian outlet Automoto, Binotto claimed that Ferrari would have ideally wanted to sign the 40-year-old driver much earlier.
“Hamilton is of a certain age. Ferrari took him when he was at the end of his career. The ideal would have been to be able to have him a few years earlier.”
Lewis Hamilton has been able to beat Charles Leclerc in just one race this season. The 7x world champion also won the Sprint race in China earlier this year, which is Ferrari’s only victory in 2025. But the driver is yet to stand on the podium in conventional races this season.
F1 pundit claims alarm bells may ring if Lewis Hamilton struggles in Canada
Montreal is set to host round 10 of the 2025 F1 season, with Lewis Hamilton looking to bounce back following a poor Spanish Grand Prix outing. But Sky Sports F1 commentator, David Croft, has claimed that “there’s an issue” if the Briton’s struggles continue into the Canadian GP.
Speaking on Sky’s “The F1 Show” podcast, Croft claimed that the upcoming race in Canada is “critical” for Hamilton. [Sky Sports F1 on Youtube]
“I think the next race is quite critical for Lewis, because Canada is a place he goes so so well at, it’s a place he loves. It’s where he got his first pole, first win as well. This is Hamilton’s track. And if he has another downer day, like he did in Barcelona, then there’s issues. [36:30 onwards]
But look, if anyone can do it and turn it around, the seven time world champion, that is Lewis Hamilton, can definitely turn that around.” Croft added.
Hamilton currently sits sixth in the drivers’ standings. He is 23 points behind Leclerc, who is only one place higher in the table. While almost 200 points adrift, Ferrari are still the closest challengers to McLaren in the constructors’ championship currently.
