P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton’s immense profile in and beyond F1 could create internal friction at Ferrari, former Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner has suggested.
Former Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner believes Lewis Hamilton’s global prominence could cause internal conflict at Ferrari. Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari in 2025 generated significant excitement worldwide, uniting the sport’s most successful driver with its most iconic team. However, after 12 races, Hamilton is yet to secure a podium finish in red, raising questions about the relationship between him and the team. Steiner suggests that Hamilton’s extensive global influence, stemming from his ventures in fashion, film, and philanthropy, might clash with Ferrari’s well-established culture. He notes that Hamilton’s stature in and out of the sport could disrupt the team’s internal power dynamics, making him possibly the only individual above a team in Formula 1 currently, according to Steiner. Consequently, Steiner wonders if Ferrari truly required such a high-profile signing, expressing doubts about the decision and opining that the move has inflated expectations to unrealistic levels, leading to disappointment among fans as the team’s performance falls short.
