Lewis Hamilton issued exit warning following…read more
Concerns have emerged about the future of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari as speculation grows regarding potential changes to the team’s leadership. Formula 1 analyst and Drive to Survive regular Will Buxton has raised a cautionary note, warning that Hamilton’s position with the Italian team could be in jeopardy if they choose to make a bold move by replacing current team principal Fred Vasseur.
Hamilton, who announced earlier this year that he would be leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari in 2025, made the decision in large part due to his confidence in Vasseur’s leadership and vision. The two have a long-standing relationship that dates back to their time together in junior racing categories. Vasseur, who currently leads the Scuderia, played a crucial role in Hamilton’s early career, and that trust is believed to have been instrumental in persuading the seven-time world champion to make the high-stakes move to Maranello.
However, recent developments in the F1 paddock have caused unease. The abrupt exit of Christian Horner from Red Bull Racing has sparked a wave of rumors, with some suggesting that Horner could soon find himself in a key role at Ferrari. The suggestion that Horner might replace Vasseur has stirred considerable discussion across the F1 world.
Buxton, speaking on the situation, expressed deep concern about the implications of such a move. He emphasized that replacing Vasseur at this stage—especially so soon after securing the signature of a driver of Hamilton’s caliber—could backfire. According to Buxton, it is unlikely that Hamilton would be content with such a shift in management, especially given the strategic reasons behind his move to Ferrari. The decision to join Ferrari was not merely about driving a fast car or competing for titles—it was a calculated move grounded in belief in the people leading the team.
The British commentator underlined how destabilizing a leadership change could be, particularly if it involves removing someone who has built a close bond with key members of the team, including incoming drivers. Buxton suggested that Hamilton may view Vasseur’s potential departure as a breach of trust and a deviation from the vision that was sold to him. In a worst-case scenario, this could prompt Hamilton to reconsider his future with the team—even before turning a wheel in red.
Adding to the speculation is the dramatic nature of Horner’s departure from Red Bull. His sudden exit marks the end of an era, with the long-serving team boss having led the Milton Keynes-based outfit through two decades of success, including multiple drivers’ and constructors’ championships. In the wake of his departure, Laurent Mekies was named as Horner’s successor, signaling a new chapter for Red Bull and potentially triggering ripple effects across the grid.
Some insiders believe Ferrari may see Horner as a valuable asset, capable of bringing organizational expertise and a winning culture to Maranello. Yet, the risk associated with such a significant overhaul is clear. Introducing Horner into the mix could unsettle the delicate balance Ferrari is trying to maintain, particularly as they prepare to welcome one of the most successful drivers in the sport’s history.
Buxton concluded that while Ferrari’s ambition to return to title-winning form is understandable, they must proceed with caution. The Italian team has often been criticized for its frequent management changes and political infighting—elements that have undermined performance and progress in the past. Repeating those mistakes now, especially with Hamilton’s arrival imminent, could prove costly.
In essence, the message is clear: stability is key. With Lewis Hamilton placing his faith in Ferrari’s current leadership, any drastic deviation from the agreed path could risk alienating their most high-profile signing in years. As the team looks to 2025 and beyond, the decisions made in the coming months could have lasting consequences—not only for their driver lineup but for their championship aspirations.
