F1 Legend Blames Lewis Hamilton for Ferrari's Championship Struggles
The world of Formula 1 is buzzing after a bold admission by four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, who candidly suggested that Lewis Hamilton was the primary reason behind his inability to deliver a championship for Ferrari during his tenure with the team from 2015 to 2020. Vettel’s comments have stirred up fresh conversations about Ferrari’s long-standing title drought and the immense shadow cast by Hamilton's dominance in the hybrid era.
Vettel Points Finger at Hamilton for Ferrari Setbacks
In a recent interview, Vettel opened up about his time at Ferrari and why the championship slipped through his grasp, stating, “Well, for me, it didn’t quite work [winning the title at Ferrari], because Lewis was there.” Vettel's acknowledgment of Hamilton's superiority adds a new layer to the narrative surrounding Ferrari's struggles during the mid-to-late 2010s.
While Ferrari did show glimpses of championship potential during Vettel’s era—particularly in 2017 and 2018—it was Lewis Hamilton’s relentless consistency, unmatched pace, and leadership at Mercedes that ultimately denied the Scuderia a return to the top.
Hamilton’s Ferrari Move Rekindles Debate
Ironically, Vettel's comments come at a time when Hamilton himself is gearing up for his debut season with Ferrari in 2025. Many in the F1 paddock are eager to see whether the seven-time world champion can achieve what eluded both Vettel and Fernando Alonso—bringing a championship back to Maranello.
Vettel added, “So let’s see now how he will get on. But, yeah, my fingers crossed.” Despite being a competitor, the German driver expressed support for Hamilton and praised his on-track achievements and outspokenness.
Divided Opinions on Hamilton’s Ferrari Future
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has sparked divided opinions. Dutch racing driver and pundit Tom Coronel recently claimed, “Ferrari can only become World Champions with Max [Verstappen]; they won’t succeed with Hamilton.” This sentiment reflects growing skepticism about whether Hamilton, now in the latter stages of his career, can truly revive Ferrari’s championship hopes.
Others, including F1 Streaming legend Martin Brundle and former Renault boss Flavio Briatore, have raised concerns about Hamilton’s motivation and whether Ferrari made the right decision. Brundle noted that Hamilton “looks like he’s lost his edge,” while Briatore questioned the long-term vision behind the signing.
Hamilton Responds to Critics
Hamilton, however, remains unfazed. After a recent sprint race win in China, he addressed doubts about his transition to Ferrari, stating, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” The Brit emphasized the need for patience and the complexity of adapting to a new team environment.
Conclusion
Sebastian Vettel's candid remarks about Lewis Hamilton reignite the debate over Ferrari's championship drought and the factors that have contributed to it. While Hamilton’s presence at Mercedes may have thwarted Vettel’s title dreams, the spotlight now shifts to whether the British driver can finally break Ferrari's curse and reclaim glory for the iconic team.
