Aug.12 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton insists his detailed written feedback to Ferrari was not a set of instructions, as speculation about his future intensifies.
“There were no orders for the team in those documents,” the seven-time world champion said. “There were just ideas like: ‘What if we did this?’, ‘Have we already tried this?’, ‘With this we could streamline some areas or we could improve.’
“It was just a matter of wanting to open a dialogue, and Fred (Vasseur) was very receptive.”
Before branding himself “useless” ahead of the summer break, Hamilton revealed he had compiled multiple written proposals during the year to date.
“After the first few races, I did a full document for the team. Then during this break, I had another two documents that I sent in,” he explained.
The input covered “engine for next year, front suspension, rear suspension” and “issues that I have with this car” – as well as “structural adjustments” to improve Ferrari’s overall organisation.
He said he had held regular meetings with upper management, team boss Vasseur, technical chief Loic Serra and other department heads.
Teammate Charles Leclerc, whose upper hand over Hamilton has only grown through 2025, said his approach is different.
“I’m not creating documents on my side, but I’m definitely having meetings whenever I’m back in Maranello,” he said. “Every single driver has their way of feeding back the team.
“I have my way, which is different compared to Lewis, but that doesn’t mean I’m left out.”
Record 105-grand prix winner Hamilton’s “useless” remark has divided the paddock, with some seeing it as a coded message that the car is at fault.
Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland: “From my point of view, Hamilton should now say – look, I’m hanging up my helmet. Or he has to say – now more than ever, I want this with all my might.
“I thought it was all a bit theatrical,” Schumacher added. “And it’s probably too stupid for him to always have to look for an excuse.”
Others believe the 40-year-old may simply be at a genuine and deepening low point. Even Mercedes boss Toto Wolff remarked that George Russell was already Mercedes’ standout performer last year.
“Already last year, he (Russell) started to be our fastest and most reliable in terms of race pace and results achieved on the track,” he said. “We couldn’t ask for a better driver.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES