Following a dramatic Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Ferrari team finds itself engulfed in a firestorm of intense criticism and internal doubt. Post-race revelations from team boss Fred Vasseur have sent shockwaves through the F1 paddock, especially his public targeting of Lewis Hamilton. Vasseur’s statements not only stunned fans but also ignited a wave of speculation about the future of team harmony. Could this be the beginning of a tense internal war between Hamilton and Ferrari, jeopardizing his dream of an eighth championship and the stability of the Scuderia?

The Drama Began With a Hollow Promise

The Azerbaijan race weekend was initially expected to be a turning point for Ferrari, particularly with Lewis Hamilton’s impressive performance in FP2, where he topped the time sheets. This ignited hopes of a strong comeback for the Italian team. However, a fateful Saturday turned into a nightmare. Hamilton was eliminated in Q2 due to an unacceptable strategic error regarding tires. He wanted to use the medium compound like his rivals, but Ferrari implemented a different strategy, putting him at a disadvantage and ruining his chances. As he exited the car, Hamilton wore a grim expression, calling the mistake “unforgivable.” At the same time, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s qualifying mainstay, crashed into the barriers in Q3. Ferrari had a chance to secure the front row, making this accident a double blow to the team. These two incidents cost Ferrari its momentum before the main race even began.

But the tragedy didn’t end there. After the race, Vasseur revealed an even more shocking fact: Leclerc’s SF-24 had been experiencing issues with its hybrid Energy Recovery System (ERS). The ERS was not delivering full electrical power on the straights, and on a circuit like Baku, losing a few kilowatts means missing an opportunity to overtake. This was no small matter; every kilowatt could mean the difference between attacking and defending, between holding a position and being easily passed. Vasseur explained that Leclerc was incredibly frustrated, his radio communications becoming increasingly emotional throughout the race, his voice rising as he realized his car wasn’t providing the extra power he needed. Imagine having a fast car in the corners but being unable to capitalize on that momentum to pass on the longest straight in F1.

The Simmering Anger of the Stars

If Leclerc was frustrated, Hamilton was even angrier. He arrived in Baku with renewed confidence and spirit, believing that topping FP2 was a turning point in his season with Ferrari, a sign that he and the SF-24 were beginning to “speak the same language.” However, the final result shattered his psyche, making all his hard work seem meaningless. Saturday marked the beginning of a nightmare when he was eliminated from qualifying early due to a strategic decision he deemed a fatal mistake. He argued that Ferrari took unnecessary risks with its tire strategy, which ultimately cost him momentum. Despite handling the technical sections with incredible precision and flawless driving on Sunday, he couldn’t attack on the straights. The car was too “snappy” under braking, forcing him to work twice as hard just to keep it on the track. The lack of power on the straights only exacerbated the situation, turning him into a spectator as his rivals easily overtook him.

Hamilton’s P8 result left him utterly disappointed. After the race, he told the media, “I don’t care about P8.” His statement was cold and filled with anger, a sign that his patience was wearing thin. Everyone in the paddock could feel the tension he carried outside the car. It’s important to remember that Hamilton came to Ferrari with a grand mission: to win his eighth world title and make history. Every weekend like this only makes that dream seem further away.

Internal Conflicts Deepen

Ferrari was once again caught in a whirlwind of internal controversy, worsening the situation during the race. Charles Leclerc was asked to give up his position to Lewis Hamilton, who was trying to catch Lando Norris for the lead. The team promised to return the position if Hamilton failed to overtake Norris. However, when the checkered flag waved, the team did not keep its promise. In Parc Fermé, Leclerc appeared cold and disappointed, giving only a small, expressionless nod before hastily leaving the interview area. The cameras failed to capture his trademark smile, which he usually shares with fans in the stands.

Ferrari fans have grown restless, questioning the team’s leadership and strategic decisions. Does Ferrari truly have a clear hierarchy between its two top drivers, or are they exacerbating the situation with inconsistent and confusing policies that risk disrupting the team’s focus in the title race? These questions hang in the air, creating a tense and skeptical atmosphere.

Vasseur: An Uncompromising Warning

In the post-race interview, Fred Vasseur struck a firm and uncompromising tone. There was no scapegoating, no technical excuses to shield the team. “We have all the data, we knew the speed was there, but we failed to execute,” he stressed. “Mistakes in qualifying and technical issues on race day cost us a golden opportunity. We have to be honest with ourselves.”

Vasseur’s tone sounded like that of a manager losing patience. He explicitly compared Ferrari to McLaren, saying the SF-24’s performance “mimicked” McLaren’s—fast when McLaren was fast, but faltering when McLaren struggled. According to Vasseur, this was clear evidence that Ferrari was not yet capable of setting the pace in the championship and was more likely to react to its opponents’ performance than to control the game. Riccardo Adami also made an interesting statement: “Fred was furious. It was probably one of the most emotional moments I’ve ever seen.” He emphasized that this must not happen again because Ferrari is fighting for first place in the constructors’ championship. “Going forward, we have to ensure that communication on the pit wall is much quicker and clearer,” Adami said.

The failure in Baku meant Ferrari could only manage eighth and ninth place, results that clearly didn’t match their car’s potential. The gap to their rivals in the constructors’ standings is narrowing, and every lost point could mean the difference between third and fourth place at the end of the season. For Hamilton, this is the fifth time he has failed to make it to Q3 in his debut season with Ferrari, a far cry from the initial expectations when he was announced. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc is becoming increasingly frustrated with the team’s persistent technical issues. His grim expression in Parc Fermé symbolized the entire team’s disappointment. If this situation continues, Ferrari risks not only losing a crucial position in the standings but also jeopardizing the motivation of its two star drivers. The pressure from the media, fans, and sponsors is mounting, and this season could turn into a nightmare if the team doesn’t recover quickly.

The Uncertain Future of the Scuderia

Fred Vasseur’s comments feel like a stark warning to the entire team. Ferrari has all the necessary ingredients for victory: a fast car, two world-class drivers, and the data to back it up. Yet, they have failed to translate these advantages into tangible results. The fans are growing restless. They watched Hamilton dominate free practice, hoping for a win, only to see the results fall far short of expectations. Vasseur’s harsh truth—that Ferrari failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity—may be more painful than losing to Red Bull or Mercedes.

Inside Maranello’s headquarters, engineers and data analysts are working overtime to identify the issues causing their performance to stagnate. Internal discussions are heated and cover everything from pit stop strategy and car setup to communication between the pit wall and the drivers. Vasseur is demanding swift changes, hoping to avoid further damaging the team’s confidence. Can Ferrari recover from this slump and find its form again? The answer will shape not only the future of the current season but also the legacy of one of the greatest teams in Formula 1 history. The tension is at its peak, and the whole world is watching Ferrari’s every move in the upcoming races.