Ferrari’s highly publicized gamble on Lewis Hamilton was supposed to be the beginning of a glorious new era in Formula One. The seven-time world champion, restless after years of disappointment at Mercedes, stunned the racing world by signing for the Scuderia. The partnership promised romance, speed, and perhaps even a long-awaited world championship for Italy’s most iconic team.

But halfway through the 2025 season, the reality is much less romantic. Hamilton has not only failed to ignite Ferrari’s charge toward Red Bull and McLaren, but he has also found himself firmly in the shadow of his younger teammate, Charles Leclerc. After 14 races, Hamilton trails Leclerc by 42 points in the standings and, more damningly, has yet to outscore him in podium appearances — the Monegasque leads by a commanding six-to-zero margin.

The summer break offers no rest for Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur. Though F1’s mandatory shutdown prevents on-track work, the political and psychological battles continue behind the garage doors. For Vasseur, the mission is clear: restore Hamilton’s confidence, grant him more influence over the car’s development, and prepare for a future that may or may not include the most successful driver in F1 history.

Step One: Rebuild the Champion’s Spirit

When Hamilton stood in front of the media after a dismal Hungarian qualifying session, his frustration was palpable. The man who once carried himself with unshakable confidence looked weary, almost doubtful of his ability to bend the Ferrari SF-25 to his will.

And yet, history reminds us why Hamilton should never be counted out. Just last season, in his final year with Mercedes, he demonstrated that he still possessed the raw pace to challenge the likes of George Russell and Max Verstappen. The issue is not Hamilton’s talent; it’s his trust in Ferrari’s machinery.

Vasseur’s first task, then, is to rebuild Hamilton’s confidence. That means finding the elusive sweet spot in the SF-25’s setup, making him feel comfortable and connected to the car again. Because once Hamilton feels at home in the cockpit, the points will follow — and with them, the swagger of a seven-time champion.

Step Two: Listen to Hamilton’s Demands

Ferrari’s focus right now is on finishing second in the Constructors’ Championship. With McLaren already out of reach and Red Bull showing signs of decline, third place is the lowest realistic outcome. But Hamilton has issued a warning: forget the short-term, and shift all energy toward the 2026 car.

“We should be fully focused in terms of development onto next year’s car,” Hamilton said at the Austrian Grand Prix. “Mercedes are already doing it, I’m sure other teams are too. The key is going to be developing that engine, and making sure we rectify some of the issues with this car.”

For Ferrari, the dilemma is a familiar one. Do they sacrifice development on the current car, potentially handing more ground to rivals, in order to leap forward in 2026? If Vasseur wants to keep Hamilton engaged, granting him more influence over the car’s development may be non-negotiable. After all, Ferrari didn’t sign Hamilton just for his driving — they signed him for his experience, leadership, and ability to shape a team.

Step Three: The Succession Question

Even if Hamilton rediscovers his form, Ferrari cannot ignore the elephant in the garage: at 40, he is closer to the end than the beginning. His cryptic reference to a potential “change driver” scenario earlier this season sent ripples of unease through Maranello.

Vasseur must now plan for a future without Hamilton, whether that comes in 2026 or sooner. The leading candidate is Britain’s Oliver Bearman, the 20-year-old sensation currently cutting his teeth at Haas. Bearman already made headlines when he substituted for Carlos Sainz at last year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, showing remarkable composure in Ferrari machinery. His raw speed is undeniable, though his inexperience has also led to costly errors.

Another name on Ferrari’s radar is Rafael Camara, the Brazilian prodigy and Ferrari academy star. Camara has already clinched the Formula Three championship with a round to spare, recording four feature race wins in a season that has set the junior categories buzzing. If Hamilton stays beyond 2026, Camara could be groomed as the next big Ferrari name.

A Summer of Reckoning

Fred Vasseur has never shied away from tough decisions, but this summer may define his Ferrari legacy. Does he throw the team’s weight behind Hamilton in the hope of unlocking one last great chapter? Or does he accelerate the transition to the next generation, preparing for the Bearman-Camara era while Hamilton plays out his contract as a fading legend?

For Ferrari, the stakes could not be higher. Fans are hungry for success, the Italian press is sharpening its knives, and rivals smell blood. The Hamilton project was meant to be Ferrari’s return to glory; instead, it risks becoming one of F1’s most expensive gambles.

And yet, in motorsport, fortunes can turn on a dime. One inspired drive, one perfectly executed strategy, one breakthrough upgrade — that’s all it takes to rewrite the narrative.

Hamilton has spent his entire career defying the odds, silencing doubters, and reinventing himself. To write him off now would be foolish. But for Ferrari and Fred Vasseur, the question is not whether Hamilton can still deliver — it’s whether they can give him the tools, the trust, and the environment to do so.

Because if they fail, the summer of 2025 may be remembered not as the beginning of a fairytale, but as the moment Ferrari’s Hamilton dream began to unravel.