Hamilton's cryptic Ferrari background remark 'deciphered' as 2026 project hits major wall'

The Briton has issued a list of demands to Maranello after what has been one of the most disappointing seasons of his career in 2025.

According to the Italian journal Hamilton has pointed the finger at Ferrari’s working methods, internal communication, the race weekend structure, and even at the car itself.

The seven-time world champion is unhappy with both the brakes and steering of the SF-25, Gazzetta reports.

The engine braking, he argues, is too aggressive compared to Mercedes, leaving him without confidence under braking.

On top of that, he has criticised the oversteer tendencies of the car, complaining that the simulator doesn’t allow him to properly test alternative setups.

It has left Hamilton, reportedly compromised on balance and aerodynamics, and demanding changes for 2026.

The bigger headache for Ferrari is that Hamilton’s preferred setup philosophy clashes heavily with Charles Leclerc’s, which might explain the comments Hamilton ade during the Hungarian GP weekend highlighting 'many things going going on in the background'.

Maranello had assumed the two drivers would run similar setups given their driving styles, but that expectation has quickly gone awry.

Where Hamilton needs more weight on the front axle, Leclerc leans in the opposite direction.That split has turned data sharing between both sides of the garage into what Gazzetta calls "unproductive".

It raises serious questions for Ferrari’s 2026 project: how do you design a car that works for two drivers with such different requirements?