Lewis Hamilton’s Uncommon Spanish GP Paddock Entrance Raises Eyebrows Amid Ferrari Tensions
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton was fast to depart the highlight following the conclusion of the Spanish Grand Prix, avoiding any extended keep within the paddock after one other irritating race weekend. As Charles Leclerc celebrated Ferrari’s third podium end of the 2025 season, Hamilton was noticeably absent from the post-race celebrations. Regardless of attaining two top-three finishes this yr, each got here throughout Dash races—which award considerably fewer factors—leaving the seven-time world champion nonetheless with out a full Grand Prix podium in 2025.
The Spanish Grand Prix had appeared like a promising alternative for Hamilton to finish that drought. He made an aggressive and well-executed go on Mercedes driver George Russell on the opening lap, suggesting a powerful run could possibly be on the playing cards. Nonetheless, hopes of securing a spot as the very best of the remaining behind the dominant McLaren duo shortly unraveled.
Max Verstappen’s overtake on Lando Norris early within the race allowed the Dutchman to create a substantial hole on the entrance, whereas Hamilton discovered himself unable to keep up aggressive tempo. His struggles additionally affected his teammate’s race, as Charles Leclerc was heard over group radio urging Ferrari to instruct Hamilton to let him go, citing that the Briton’s slower tempo was compromising his personal race technique.
Lewis Hamilton’s disappointing efficiency was compounded within the remaining phases when he was overtaken by Nico Hülkenberg, who was operating on considerably brisker tyres. The transfer drew a visual response from followers, lots of whom had been dismayed to see the a number of world champion being handed so late within the race by a Sauber.
Amid the on-track setbacks, Lewis Hamilton drew further consideration for an uncommon second within the paddock earlier than the race even started. Famend System 1 photographer Kym Illman famous a shocking change in Hamilton’s pre-race routine—one thing not seen for fairly a while. In response to Kym Illman, Lewis Hamilton arrived on the paddock by driving virtually immediately as much as the doorway gate, which safety personnel opened specifically for him. This allowed him to exit his automobile in a comparatively secluded space, the place solely a handful of media members had been current.
Kym Illman defined that Lewis Hamilton briefly interacted with a couple of people earlier than his private safety guard produced an umbrella to protect him from photographers. This act of deliberately avoiding the media was characterised by Illman as extremely unorthodox and never typical of every other driver on the grid. He described the incident as harking back to older Hamilton conduct that had not been noticed in a number of seasons.
Later that very same day, as photographers gathered close to the pit lane gate, the Briton reportedly paused momentarily and acknowledged the media presence. Nonetheless, he quickly opted to take an alternate route, strolling behind his safety guard along with his cellphone raised to obscure his face earlier than disappearing into the Ferrari storage. Notably, Lewis Hamilton was sporting official Ferrari apparel, though Kym Illman urged that the Briton has a particular association with the group permitting him to put on fashion-oriented clothes on choose days all through the season.
This degree of media avoidance, in accordance with the Australian motorsport photographer, entrepreneur and YouTuber, just isn’t one thing generally seen with every other System 1 driver. He acknowledged, nevertheless, that after so a few years within the highlight, the fixed scrutiny might understandably really feel exhausting for Hamilton, particularly as he navigates the ultimate chapters of a high-profile profession.
In the meantime, tensions seem like simmering inside the Ferrari camp concerning the strategic course of the group. Lewis Hamilton has but to match the expectations set when he joined the Scuderia, whereas Charles Leclerc continues to increase his benefit over his new teammate within the drivers’ standings. Although the Monegasque has solely been a real victory contender as soon as—on the Monaco Grand Prix—his consistency has outshone Hamilton’s outcomes thus far.
On the core of Ferrari’s inside debate is the looming overhaul of System 1 rules in 2026. Whereas some groups are already starting to shift their focus to the following improvement cycle, Ferrari has thus far maintained its dedication to the present automobile. This method, nevertheless, is reportedly not shared by Hamilton, who believes it’s time for the group to prioritize preparations for 2026.
The philosophical divide between Lewis Hamilton and group principal Fred Vasseur is starting to indicate. Sources counsel that the 2 figures are usually not aligned on how Ferrari ought to allocate its assets transferring ahead. Lewis Hamilton is claimed to favor a proactive transition towards future rules, whereas Fred Vasseur stays decided to proceed combating for ends in the current.
Except a consensus is reached quickly, the disconnect between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari management might danger additional pressure on a partnership nonetheless in its early phases. With McLaren and Purple Bull persevering with to drag forward, inside unity could show simply as essential to Ferrari’s future as technical efficiency.
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