Former Formula 1 designer and analyst Gary Anderson has expressed doubts about Lewis Hamilton‘s approach to improving Ferrari’s performance, following the British driver’s difficult debut season with the Italian team. Hamilton, who has not reached the podium in any of his 13 main races for Ferrari, recently shared internal documents aimed at helping the team develop ahead of the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, raising questions about his strategy.

There had been high hopes for Hamilton’s partnership with Ferrari after he claimed a surprise fastest lap and won the sprint race in China early in the season. Despite this promising start, the seven-time world champion has struggled to extract the car’s full potential, frequently falling behind his teammate Charles Leclerc during races and qualifying.

Prior to the Spa weekend, Hamilton revealed that he sent detailed memos to Ferrari in Maranello, proposing areas for improvement. However, Anderson, who has a rich background working with Jordan and Jaguar, criticized Hamilton’s method in his column for The Telegraph, stating:

“I was also concerned when I read last week that Hamilton had been sending memos to Ferrari on where they need to be better. You might think that is just a driver trying to help his team improve, but from my experience, that is not what you should do.” —Gary Anderson, Former F1 Designer and Pundit

“You should sit down in a meeting with the relevant people and thrash it all out in person. That way people can have their input, be honest and have a constructive conversation about progress.” —Gary Anderson, Former F1 Designer and Pundit

At the Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton faced a difficult start but managed to recover and finish inside the points under challenging, changeable weather conditions. The weekend highlighted ongoing struggles but also showcased his ability to fight back through tough circumstances.

Reflecting on a Difficult Weekend at Spa-Francorchamps

Lewis Hamilton described the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps as a “weekend to forget,” while also acknowledging some positives from the event. After finishing seventh, he emphasized the challenge of racing in tricky conditions and expressed gratitude toward his team’s efforts during the race weekend.

Speaking to F1.com, Hamilton said:

“I always enjoy those sort of conditions. It was massively tricky being that far back in conditions where at the beginning it was really not that easy to see. I’m happy to have come from all the way back there, recovered and got into the points.” —Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Driver

“Not the result that I want this weekend, and definitely a weekend to forget, but positives to take from the car today. Team did a great job as they always do throughout the weekend and they did a great job with the strategy, so big thanks to them and I’ll try and do a better job for them next weekend.” —Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Driver

Currently positioned sixth in the driver’s championship with 109 points, Hamilton trails his teammate Charles Leclerc by 30 points, underscoring the ongoing performance gap within the Ferrari team.

Implications for Ferrari and Hamilton’s Future Performance

Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari has been filled with challenges that have sparked debate about his tactics and overall impact on the team’s progress. Anderson’s criticism of the driver’s indirect communication method reveals tension regarding the best ways to foster improvements within the team. The question remains whether Hamilton’s documented suggestions will be effectively integrated or if more direct engagement is needed going forward.

With the drivers’ championship standings showing a clear advantage for Leclerc, Hamilton will need to find consistent ways to enhance his results as the season progresses. The Belgian GP weekend illustrated both his struggles and resilience, making the upcoming races critical for Hamilton and Ferrari to close the gap and regain competitiveness.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?

A. Yes, using number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado chose #13 when the fixed numbering system started in 2014. While some cultures see it as unlucky, Formula 1 let drivers decide.

Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?

A. Lewis Hamilton’s experiences with ADHD and dyslexia have influenced his life both in and out of racing. His journey challenges the typical idea of F1 success and highlights the importance of acknowledging learning differences.

Q. Is 69 allowed in F1?

A. F1 drivers can select a lasting number for their careers, ranging from 2 to 99. However, the number 17 is not an option.