Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in the 2025 Formula 1 season has resulted in a notable financial gain for the Italian team, despite the driver’s underwhelming on-track performance so far. Although Hamilton has struggled to secure strong race finishes this year, his presence has generated significant sponsorship interest and contributed to Ferrari’s reported $58.5 million profit increase.
Financial Upswing Linked to Hamilton’s Arrival at Ferrari
Hamilton’s unexpected transfer from Mercedes to Ferrari before the start of the 2025 season took the motorsport world by surprise. This switch attracted multiple sponsors to the Scuderia, many of whom followed the seven-time World Champion from Brackley to Maranello. Even at age 40, Hamilton’s appeal off the track, including lucrative sponsorship deals displayed on his race suit, has proved highly valuable for Ferrari’s commercial standing. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferrari’s profit surge of over $58 million this year is primarily due to Hamilton’s significant influence beyond racing results.
While Hamilton’s best race results this season have only included a sprint race victory in China and fourth-place finishes in Austria and Britain, Ferrari’s financial growth also benefits from their strong 2024 campaign, where the team finished as championship runners-up. Analysts suggest that should Hamilton improve his race performances in the remaining season, Ferrari stands to gain even more commercially.
On-Track Difficulties and Hamilton’s Technical Feedback
Despite the commercial success linked to Hamilton’s signing, the driver has encountered various challenges adapting to Ferrari’s 2025 car. Hamilton’s feedback to the team has been significant, as he has submitted detailed documents highlighting potential technical adjustments aimed at improving car performance. His involvement has not gone unnoticed; former F1 champion Nico Rosberg emphasized the necessity of paying close attention to Hamilton’s insights due to his extensive experience and track record.
He’s a seven-time World Champion, so you definitely have to listen to what a seven-time World Champion is telling you. But it also takes time. Many of the things they cannot just change overnight. If the brakes are an issue, it’s a long lead time to develop the new brake system. Or if he’s not happy with the balance, it’s a really long process.
—Nico Rosberg, Former F1 Champion
Rosberg acknowledged that Ferrari cannot implement all suggested changes immediately, particularly when it involves core components like the brake system or vehicle balance. The developmental process remains lengthy and complex, which partly explains Ferrari’s ongoing performance struggles during the current season.
Looking Ahead: Hamilton and Ferrari’s Future Prospects
Hamilton currently trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by a considerable margin, effectively ending his hopes of contending for the 2025 drivers’ title. However, both Hamilton and Ferrari view this season as a learning phase under the new technical regulations, with eyes set firmly on the 2026 campaign. The Italian outfit aims to leverage insights gained this year to build a more competitive package that can match its historic prestige while Hamilton hopes to return stronger under the upcoming rule changes.
The ongoing collaboration between Ferrari and Hamilton holds potential for future success if they can resolve the underlying issues afflicting the car. Hamilton’s combination of race experience and commercial value will likely keep him central to Ferrari’s strategy as they target a resurgence next year.
As Hamilton enters the summer break, the driver is expected to regroup and prepare for the second half of the season while beginning to focus on the possibilities that 2026 might bring for both himself and the legendary Scuderia.