Lewis Hamilton issued new team orders by Ferrari team principal
In a significant development ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, reports have emerged suggesting that Ferrari’s Team Principal, Fred Vasseur, is prepared to implement team orders early in the campaign to optimize the team’s championship prospects. This strategy could directly impact the dynamics between Ferrari’s new high-profile signing, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and the established team driver, Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been one of the most talked-about transitions in recent F1 history. After a storied tenure with Mercedes, where he secured multiple championships, Hamilton joins the Maranello-based team with the aim of clinching an unprecedented eighth world title. However, the integration into Ferrari presents unique challenges, especially concerning team hierarchy and internal competition.
According to a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferrari might impose team orders on Hamilton and Leclerc as early as the first part of the 2025 season. The team may start the year treating both drivers equally but could quickly change its approach if they find themselves in a championship fight.
The concept of team orders in Formula 1 is not new. Historically, teams have employed such strategies to maximize their championship standings, sometimes leading to controversy. The practice involves instructing one driver to yield position or support the other to achieve a better overall team result. While team orders were officially banned in 2002 following several high-profile incidents, the ban was lifted in 2011, allowing teams to manage their drivers as they see fit.
For Hamilton, the potential imposition of team orders represents a departure from his previous experiences. At Mercedes, he often enjoyed a clear number-one status, with team strategies frequently favoring his championship pursuits. In contrast, Ferrari has traditionally maintained a more egalitarian approach, treating both drivers equally until a clear championship contender emerges. This philosophy means that Hamilton will need to assert his dominance early in the season to avoid playing a supporting role to Leclerc.
The pressure on Hamilton is further amplified by reports suggesting he has a three-race probation period to acclimate to his new environment. During the Australian, Chinese, and Japanese Grands Prix, Ferrari expects Hamilton to demonstrate his adaptability and performance. Failing to meet these expectations could result in the team prioritizing Leclerc in subsequent races.
Ferrari’s decision to potentially implement early team orders underscores their determination to end a championship drought that has plagued the team since 2008. With fierce competition anticipated from rivals such as Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren, the Scuderia is keen to optimize every strategic advantage.
The internal dynamics between Hamilton and Leclerc will be pivotal. Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, has established himself as a formidable talent and enjoys a strong rapport within the team. His familiarity with Ferrari’s operations and culture provides him with an inherent advantage over Hamilton, who is still acclimating to his new surroundings.
Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone has expressed skepticism about Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, suggesting that the British driver may face challenges integrating into the team and could struggle to receive the same level of support as Leclerc. Ecclestone’s comments highlight the potential obstacles Hamilton might encounter, including internal politics and the need to quickly establish himself within the team.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how Hamilton and Leclerc navigate their partnership. The implementation of team orders could either bolster Ferrari’s championship campaign or lead to internal friction, depending on how both drivers and the management handle the situation. For Hamilton, the challenge is clear: deliver exceptional performances from the outset to assert his position within the team and avoid being relegated to a supporting role.
In conclusion, Ferrari’s reported readiness to impose early team orders places significant pressure on Lewis Hamilton as he embarks on this new chapter of his illustrious career. His ability to adapt, perform, and integrate into the Ferrari ecosystem will be crucial determinants of his success in the 2025 season.
