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Hamilton hit by new Ferrari setback as ex-F1 driver slams communication issues

Originally posted on HITC | By Shay Rogers | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 11:12 AM ET

Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated switch to Ferrari’s Formula 1 team hasn’t started the way many had hoped.

The seven-time world champion is currently sixth in the drivers’ standings and has yet to finish on the podium in a Grand Prix since joining Ferrari.

His Canadian Grand Prix summed up his season so far – an early collision with a groundhog left his car lacking downforce, costing him valuable time and further denting his momentum.

Making matters worse, Mercedes – the team he left – just picked up their first win of the season and seem to have found more pace. It’s an early sign that the 2026 regulations might not play in Ferrari’s favour.

Hamilton has already questioned Ferrari’s approach behind the scenes, expressing concerns that the team isn’t open enough to new ideas.

To make matters worse, there are growing doubts about Ferrari’s 2026 engine development, with many in the paddock highlighting the uncertainties surrounding its performance.

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Despite his struggles, Hamilton is still waiting for changes that could turn things around. There’s talk of Ferrari establishing a base in the UK, which might help him integrate better – but so far, little progress has been made.

Fred Vasseur and Hamilton haven’t always seen eye to eye on what needs fixing either. The team boss doesn’t believe upgrades are the only answer, while Hamilton is pushing for more technical support.

Speaking on the Pit Talk Podcast, Doornbos said: “A great start. The media, the value of the company went up. Everybody loved it, right? But then the performance comes, or the performance doesn’t come.

“The communication with his engineer is terrible. It’s like in any marriage, you can have your ups and downs, but there’s no up. It was only down.

“It’s not what he wants, and Barcelona was terrible for him. Now we arrive in Canada, he hits, you don’t believe it, on lap 13, a groundhog. It cost him half a second per lap on downforce.”

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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