Hamilton advised to reach out to former title rival amid Ferrari struggles

Hamilton was especially downbeat in his verdict after qualifying, when he said he is 'useless', and that maybe the team should replace the driver, referring to himself.

Former Ferrari mechanic Francesco Cigarini believes the seven-time world champion is having the same experience alongside Charles Leclerc, as Sebastian Vettel did when the German drove for Ferrari.

Cigarini was pit stop crew member from 2008 until 2021 at the Scuderia, having spent time with the two drivers.

"Leclerc prefers a very sharply tuned car, with the rear end being very free and requiring a lot of feeling," he began on Sky Sports Italia about the Monegasque driver.

"When Vettel tried to copy that setup, he ended up looking like a novice. I think that’s exactly what’s happening with Hamilton now," he shared his verdict.

Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel locked horns over the 2010s as they competed for world titles, but they are also on good terms.

The former Ferrari mechanic therefore sees the Briton ringing the four-time world champion. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Hamilton calls Vettel to try to wriggle out of this,” the Italian concluded.

Entering the summer break, Hamilton is yet to step on the podium in a Grand Prix, however, he did deliver the Scuderia its first-ever Sprint victory in China.