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Lewis Hamilton warned Ferrari months ago — and the team is only now acting on it

Lewis Hamilton reportedly issued a clear warning to Ferrari during the difficult 2025 Formula 1 season, a warning that was largely ignored despite persistent performance problems. As the Scuderia struggled with inconsistency, Hamilton is said to have identified a deeper technical issue that could not be fixed through setup changes alone.

According to analysis published by newsf1.it, Ferrari has now taken decisive action by hiring two Mercedes specialists focused specifically on simulation and tyre performance: “Ferrari has just hired two technical experts from Mercedes for the simulation and tyre departments,” the outlet reported. “A decision that confirms, months later, that the problem was there and exactly where Sir Lewis had pointed it out.”

The report added that Hamilton identified a structural weakness in Ferrari’s simulation expertise and pushed internally for it to be addressed. The timing of the move has raised questions across the paddock. Hamilton’s feedback reportedly came during the 2025 season, when Ferrari repeatedly failed to translate simulator data into consistent on-track performance.

Issues with tyre degradation, balance changes between sessions, and poor correlation between simulator predictions and race conditions became recurring problems. Despite those concerns, Ferrari initially maintained its internal structure. Development processes remained unchanged as the season progressed, leading to visible frustration from Hamilton as the team continued to struggle to maximize results. Only now, with the 2026 regulation overhaul approaching, has Ferrari made changes that directly align with Hamilton’s earlier warnings.

Ferrari moves to fix a flaw Hamilton already identified

The new hires are widely seen as an acknowledgment that Ferrari’s simulation infrastructure was not operating at the level required to compete at the front of modern Formula 1. Simulation accuracy has become one of the most decisive competitive tools, influencing tyre usage, aerodynamic development, and race strategy.

According to newsf1.it, Hamilton’s technical input helped accelerate the decision: “This led the team to hire the right people to correct the situation before the 2026 regulations,” the report stated, highlighting how closely the move reflects Hamilton’s original assessment.

The development is especially significant with sweeping technical changes coming in 2026, when teams will rely heavily on simulation to define their direction. Ferrari’s decision suggests a clear attempt to avoid starting the new era at a disadvantage.

For Hamilton, the situation reinforces a familiar narrative. Known for his technical awareness and detailed feedback, he has often influenced team direction throughout his career. At Ferrari, his warning may have been ignored at first—but it ultimately proved difficult to dismiss.

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