Lewis Hamilton Wipes Instagram Clean, Unfollows Ferrari Ahead of Crucial Imola Race
Lewis Hamilton has taken a bold step that’s caught the attention of fans and pundits alike — the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has unfollowed everyone on Instagram, including Ferrari, the team he joined this season. As of Tuesday morning, his “following” count dropped to zero, erasing all connections on the platform, from his teammate Charles Leclerc to his beloved dog Roscoe.
The timing of this drastic social media reset is particularly striking. It comes just days before the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola — Ferrari’s home race — and amid a tough start to Hamilton’s highly anticipated debut season with the Scuderia. So far, the British driver has struggled to find his rhythm. In the first six races of the season, his best finish has been fifth place. He currently sits seventh in the drivers’ standings, 12 points behind Leclerc, who has managed to outperform him both in qualifying and race results on most weekends.
Hamilton’s underwhelming start hasn’t gone unnoticed by F1 insiders. 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve openly questioned how patient Ferrari fans — known for their intense passion and high expectations — would remain if Hamilton’s form doesn’t improve quickly. Villeneuve emphasized that Ferrari, a team eager to return to championship-winning ways, may not offer the 40-year-old much time to adapt.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher echoed those concerns, going as far as to suggest that Hamilton might not finish his contract with Ferrari, which runs through the end of the 2026 season. Schumacher speculated that if the results don’t take a turn for the better soon, Hamilton may decide to walk away early from the two-year deal.
Despite the criticism, Hamilton remains focused on improving and has vowed to do everything he can to help Ferrari return to the front of the grid. Known for his resilience, he’s no stranger to difficult periods or dramatic online resets. In fact, he performed a similar social media purge after his heartbreaking loss to Max Verstappen at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — an incident that led many to question his mindset and future in the sport at the time.
Earlier this year, Hamilton spoke about his approach to social media during mentally challenging moments. He shared that stepping away from platforms like Instagram helps him block out negativity and focus on his goals. “I don’t really read the news, and I go for long, long periods without social media,” he said. “I’m not being bombarded with all the stuff on social media, so I’m kind of living in my own little bubble in my head.”
This recent social media cleanse appears to be another mental reset for the British star, likely designed to help him refocus ahead of a critical stretch of the season. The upcoming race at Imola holds special significance. It will be Hamilton’s first time racing for Ferrari in front of the Tifosi — the fiercely loyal and expectant Italian fans. Given Ferrari’s strong finish to the 2024 season, anticipation is high that the team can challenge for the title in 2025. So far, however, those hopes have not been realized on Hamilton’s side of the garage.
There are growing concerns about how well Ferrari’s SF-25 car suits Hamilton’s driving style. While Leclerc seems at ease with the current package, Hamilton has appeared unsettled and inconsistent. Questions also linger about internal team dynamics and whether the Brit has fully integrated into Ferrari’s unique culture.
As the pressure builds, Hamilton’s Instagram purge may be more than just a symbolic gesture. It could represent a turning point — a conscious effort to block out distractions, silence critics, and mentally reset. Whether this move will translate into improved on-track performance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Lewis Hamilton at Imola, where he’ll have a crucial opportunity to prove that he still has what it takes to deliver at the highest level — and to begin forging a successful legacy with the Prancing Horse.
