Ferrari Consider Contingency Plans as Arrivabene Issues Warning to Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated move to Ferrari has so far failed to deliver the fairytale many expected, with the seven-time Formula 1 world champion enduring a difficult debut season in red. As pressure mounts ahead of the sport’s radical 2026 regulation overhaul, fresh reports suggest Ferrari are already laying the groundwork for a future beyond Hamilton, even as team boss Fred Vasseur publicly backs the British driver.
Hamilton’s first year at Maranello proved to be one of the toughest campaigns of his illustrious career. Despite arriving with enormous expectations, the 40-year-old was unable to secure a single podium finish and ultimately ended the season sixth in the drivers’ championship. The gap between hype and reality has intensified scrutiny on both Hamilton and Ferrari’s long-term strategy.
Former Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene has now weighed in on the situation, offering a blunt assessment of the risks facing Hamilton as he pushes for internal changes. Speaking about Ferrari’s culture and structure, Arrivabene cautioned that attempting to overhaul too much, too quickly, could backfire.
“Ferrari is not a team you bend overnight,” Arrivabene warned. “If you try to change everything at once, it can quickly become game over.”
Hamilton has been outspoken about the need for Ferrari to modernise its working methods, communication flow, and technical approach if the team is to return to championship-winning form. While such feedback is common from drivers of Hamilton’s stature, Arrivabene’s comments highlight the delicate balance required when integrating a superstar into a team deeply rooted in tradition.
Focus Shifts to 2026 Reset
Ferrari, like the rest of the grid, is placing enormous emphasis on the 2026 season, when sweeping changes to power units and chassis regulations will reshape the competitive order. Team principal Fred Vasseur has consistently expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to rebound under the new rules, framing 2025 as a transition year rather than a definitive verdict on the partnership.
Vasseur has overseen internal adjustments aimed at helping Hamilton adapt more effectively, including closer collaboration with engineers and refinements to Ferrari’s development direction. Publicly, the message remains one of unity and patience.
However, reports from within the paddock suggest that Ferrari’s senior management are quietly preparing contingency plans should the Hamilton experiment fail to produce the desired results. With Hamilton entering the latter stages of his career, Ferrari are keen to avoid being caught off guard if performance or motivation declines further.
Ferrari Eyeing the Next Generation
According to sources close to the team, Ferrari have already identified potential long-term successors who could step into a leadership role should Hamilton depart earlier than expected. While no official names have been confirmed, the emphasis appears to be on younger drivers capable of anchoring the team through the new regulatory era.
This does not necessarily signal an imminent exit for Hamilton, but it reflects Ferrari’s traditionally ruthless approach to long-term planning. The Scuderia has a history of making decisive calls when championship ambitions are at stake, regardless of a driver’s reputation or legacy.
Hamilton’s position is further complicated by the internal dynamics at Ferrari, where adapting to the team’s political and cultural ecosystem is often as critical as on-track performance. Success at Maranello has historically depended on aligning with the team’s identity rather than reshaping it entirely.
A Defining Period for Hamilton
For Hamilton, the coming months represent a pivotal phase in his career. His ability to influence Ferrari’s future without alienating key figures could determine whether his time in red becomes a triumphant final chapter or a cautionary tale.
Arrivabene’s remarks serve as a reminder that Ferrari’s internal machinery operates on its own terms. While Hamilton’s experience and success command respect, the Scuderia’s leadership will ultimately prioritise stability and long-term competitiveness.
As Ferrari prepare for the 2026 reset, the question is no longer just whether Hamilton can win again—but whether Ferrari believe he is the driver to lead them into a new era. For now, public backing remains strong, but behind closed doors, the team appears determined to keep all options open.
The next two seasons may well decide not only Ferrari’s future direction, but also how Lewis Hamilton’s legendary career is ultimately remembered.
