Former F1 boss defends Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari form with Fernando Alonso argument

Lewis Hamilton’s difficult first season with Ferrari has drawn a wide range of scrutiny, but former F1 team boss Giancarlo Minardi believed that the seven-time world champion’s struggles were being misread. Minardi rejected suggestions that Hamilton was past his best and referred to Fernando Alonso, highlighting that age didn't erase ability.

Hamilton joined Ferrari in 2025, after 12 seasons with Mercedes, entering what was already a compromised technical cycle for the team. Ferrari failed to win a race, scored all seven podiums through Charles Leclerc, and finished fourth in the Constructors’ standings.

Hamilton ended the season without a podium for the first time in his F1 career, while the SF25 showed consistent limitations across circuits. Minardi addressed Hamilton’s situation directly when asked about his form.

“I’ll answer right away without even waiting for the question. No, Lewis is not finished,” Minardi said, speaking to Quotidiano Sportivo. “Everyone gets older, but a driver never loses his talent. Take Alonso, he’s older than Lewis, but on the track, if the car supports him, he’s still incredibly strong.”

Fernando Alonso, now 44, continues to deliver results with Aston Martin. He showed flashes of speed throughout the year and finished fifth at the Hungarian Grand Prix and sixth at the Abu Dhabi season finale. While Hamilton had 156 points, Alonso's 56 came in a much inferior AMR25. Minardi pointed out that top-level performance still exists when the environment allows it.

Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari during day two of F1 Testing at Bahrain. Source: Getty

After more than a decade at Mercedes, Hamilton’s move to Maranello meant new systems, new processes, and a car that never fully matched his driving needs. Minardi suggested that the challenge was underestimated internally and emphasized that Ferrari should be more receptive to Hamilton’s technical feedback.

“So I suppose it was underestimated that by leaving Mercedes after so many years, Hamilton found himself in a new, unknown world,” he added. “It wasn’t easy and the limitations of the SF25 made the situation worse. Maybe Maranello should listen more to what Lewis says and suggests, in the best interests of the team. Or rather, without a doubt.”

Lewis Hamilton heads into 2026 under new regulations, a redesigned power unit, and a fresh development cycle. Pre-season testing is less than a month away, and the Briton has already indicated that change will be a priority in how he approaches the off-season.

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Lewis Hamilton outlines changes he wants Ferrari to make for 2026

Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari during day two of F1 Testing at Bahrain. Source: Getty

Lewis Hamilton has echoed much of Giancarlo Minardi’s assessment, particularly around reflection and structural improvement. Speaking about his plans for the winter, the British driver explained that his focus would be on process, decision-making, and improving how his team functioned around him.

“We’re obviously testing next week and then we go back to the factory,” Hamilton told Formula 1. “I’ve got to decide what my approach is when it comes to sitting down with the key stakeholders to make the decisions, and how that approach is to create the change that’s needed.”

Hamilton revealed that he has spent the season documenting issues race by race, with the intention of reviewing them during the break. He also acknowledged that optimization extends beyond the car.

“My surroundings need to be looked upon in my personal space so that we can optimize our teamwork,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur admitted that the early decision to prioritize 2026 came at a cost for the team in 2025. However, he maintains that the choice was collective and necessary given McLaren’s early-season advantage.