Ferrari faces the risk of losing Lewis Hamilton if they proceed with rumored plans circulating in the Italian media. The seven-time Formula 1 champion has openly discussed his challenges in his debut season with Ferrari, where he is yet to secure a podium finish in a Grand Prix race.
Hamilton has advised Ferrari to cease development on their current car and shift focus to the upcoming season, despite his fourth-place finish at the recent British Grand Prix. However, reports from Italian sources suggest that significant changes could take place at Maranello before the 2026 season.
Team principal Frederic Vasseur is under pressure for failing to provide competitive cars to Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to challenge McLaren. Speculation from various Italian outlets, including the respected Corriere della Sera newspaper, hints at Vasseur’s precarious position.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, technical director Loic Serra, who joined Ferrari alongside Hamilton from Mercedes, has not met expectations and may depart along with Vasseur. There are indications of a major shake-up that could see both Vasseur and Serra exit, with Christian Horner possibly leading a rebuilding effort following his departure from Red Bull.
Former F1TV presenter and current lead FOX IndyCar commentator, Will Buxton, believes that Horner’s potential move to Ferrari could result in Hamilton leaving the team. Buxton mentioned on The Sports Agents podcast that Alpine might be a more viable destination for Horner due to his ties with Flavio Briatore, who advises the Renault board running the team.
The likelihood of Horner joining Ferrari appears slim, especially after Hamilton accused him of causing disruption amid rumors of Hamilton possibly joining Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Formula 1 enthusiasts can catch all the live action with Sky’s new Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, offering significant savings and access to various TV channels, Netflix, and Discovery+.
“I don’t really know where that story has come from. I mean, I know it’s come from Christian,” said Hamilton to Sky Sports during his time at Mercedes. “I don’t really understand what he’s been talking about because no one, as far as I’m aware, from my team has spoken to him. I haven’t spoken to Christian really in years.”
However, he did reach out to me earlier on in the year about meeting up, but that’s it. I just congratulated them on an amazing year and said, ‘Hopefully soon, I’ll be able to fight against you guys in the near future.’ That was it. So I’m not really sure, I think he’s just stirring things.