Too Late for Glory? Ex-Ferrari Boss Says Hamilton Joined at the ‘End of His Career
Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari team principal, recently discussed the timing of Lewis Hamilton’s potential move to the Scuderia, suggesting that the seven-time world champion arrived “a few years too late.” Hamilton, who joined Ferrari ahead of the 2025 F1 season, signed a multi-year, lucrative deal that paired the British driver with the legendary but aging Ferrari team. While the collaboration had immense potential, questions about Hamilton’s form have arisen as he reaches the twilight of his career.
Having spent his final season with Mercedes expressing concerns about his performance, Hamilton was candid about his slowing pace, admitting that he “definitely [wasn’t] fast anymore.” Though he has not reiterated this sentiment as strongly since, the 2025 season has seen him voice his struggles on multiple occasions, saying, “I’m slow,” a remark that has fueled doubts about his current competitive edge.
Despite Hamilton’s challenges on track, Audi’s team principal, who has a strong understanding of the inner workings of F1, weighed in with a broader perspective. He acknowledged that Ferrari, while enduring a tough season, has the talent and infrastructure needed to improve. The team’s future is promising, he stated, and they can take solace in the fact that they will bounce back in the coming years. The issues on the track, he believes, are temporary, and Ferrari will be in a position to challenge again soon.
