Former Ferrari chief insists Hamilton ‘should be S…read more
Former Ferrari Formula 1 team principal Mattia Binotto has offered a frank assessment of Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari, expressing concern that the seven-time world champion may have joined the team too late in his career to make a significant impact. Binotto, who headed the Scuderia from 2019 until his departure in 2022, remarked that while Hamilton’s talent and legacy are unquestionable, the timing of his move might hinder the team’s ability to fully capitalize on his racing prowess.
Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, which was officially announced in January, sent shockwaves through the motorsport world. After spending more than a decade with Mercedes and securing six of his seven world titles with them, his decision to leave the Silver Arrows marked the end of an era. Many fans and pundits welcomed the news as a historic alignment — Ferrari, the most iconic team in Formula 1, pairing up with the sport’s most successful driver in terms of wins and championships. The hope was that Hamilton’s experience and championship mindset would invigorate Ferrari’s pursuit of a long-awaited title.
However, since joining Ferrari, Hamilton has struggled to find his footing. The results on track have so far failed to meet the lofty expectations that accompanied his high-profile move. Performance inconsistencies and a lack of race-winning pace have raised questions about whether the partnership can fulfill its potential. Binotto, watching from the sidelines, has suggested that Hamilton may no longer be at his competitive peak, and that Ferrari might have miscalculated by signing him at a stage when his career is naturally winding down.
The Italian engineer acknowledged Hamilton’s immense contributions to the sport and admitted that having someone of his stature in the team brings significant value in terms of leadership, media attention, and technical feedback. Still, Binotto emphasized that Ferrari needs more than star power — they need results. With other drivers on the grid in their prime and pushing hard for victories, Hamilton faces an uphill battle to assert dominance once again, especially in a new environment that demands adaptation.
As the season progresses, the pressure is mounting on both Hamilton and Ferrari to turn the narrative around. While it’s too early to write off the partnership completely, Binotto’s comments serve as a reminder that timing in Formula 1 is everything — and even legends are not immune to the effects of age and change.
