Former team owner Gian Carlo Minardi has expressed concerns that Ferrari might be focusing more on Charles Leclerc’s success than supporting Lewis Hamilton, especially after Hamilton’s difficulties at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix. While Leclerc started the race from pole position and finished fourth, Hamilton qualified and came in 12th, marking his worst points-scoring performance with Ferrari this season.
Leclerc’s strong qualifying contrasted sharply with Hamilton’s performance, as Hamilton failed to reach Q3 for the fourth time this year and delivered his first points-free race finish after twelve consecutive finishes where he scored at least one point. Minardi believes this reflects a possible shift in Ferrari’s internal priorities favoring Leclerc.
Hamilton’s Frustrations Growing Amid Technical and Team Challenges
Hamilton openly voiced frustration after qualifying 12th, describing himself as useless compared to Leclerc’s pole-winning effort. Although Leclerc looked set to battle for the victory, a suspected chassis issue in the second half of the race forced him to drop back significantly, eventually finishing fourth after serving a five-second penalty following his second pit stop on lap 40.
Minardi sensed that Hamilton feels let down by Ferrari due to unfulfilled commitments. He told Gazzetta dello Sport,
“From various interviews, I understand [that] Lewis is complaining about things that were promised to him but haven’t arrived.”
Minardi added,
“It’s difficult to make judgments, in any case. I think Ferrari are trying to find a better direction for Leclerc right now.”
This comment underscores a perceived imbalance in Ferrari’s support structure between the two drivers during this phase of the season.
Leclerc Extends Lead Over Hamilton in Intra-Team Standings
The teammate battle has grown increasingly one-sided, with Leclerc now 42 points ahead of Hamilton after 14 rounds. Despite Hamilton’s efforts in the F1 Sprint at the Chinese GP, where he took the win, his position in the main drivers’ standings has slipped to sixth with 109 points, trailing Leclerc who holds fifth place.
Ferrari remains the only one of F1’s leading four teams yet to secure a race victory this year, currently positioned second in the constructors’ championship at the summer break. Hamilton’s most notable main race results have been fourth-place finishes at Imola, Austria, and Silverstone, while his successes primarily come from Sprint races, including a third-place finish in Miami.
Following his performance in Budapest, Hamilton questioned whether he is contributing effectively to Ferrari’s success, highlighting the contrasting trajectories of the two teammates.
Implications for Ferrari’s Strategy and Season Outlook
Ferrari’s apparent preference for nurturing Leclerc’s form over Hamilton’s efforts could have important consequences for the team‘s dynamics and overall competitiveness in 2025. With the season at its midpoint, how Ferrari balances support between their drivers may influence both the drivers’ championship battle and the constructors’ standings.
Minardi’s observations hint at growing tensions within Ferrari, which may require strategic adjustments to maintain team harmony and maximize performance as the season progresses toward its conclusion.