The 2025 Formula 1 season continues to surprise, and Ferrari, the center of attention with the arrival of Lewis Hamilton, is once again in the spotlight. An unexpected revelation from Charles Leclerc has rocked the paddock: the Monegasque driver has discovered a shocking anomaly concerning his teammate Lewis Hamilton’s car. Even more troubling, Ferrari boss Frédéric Vasseur acted exactly as Leclerc had anticipated, confirming the Monegasque driver’s fears. This incident, which occurred on the sidelines of the Spanish Grand Prix, raises questions about the Scuderia’s internal dynamics and the challenges facing the Hamilton-Leclerc duo.

The incident erupted after qualifying in Barcelona, ​​where Leclerc took an encouraging third place, while the struggling Hamilton could only manage eighth. During the post-session debrief, Leclerc noticed unusual telemetry data on Hamilton’s SF-25. According to team sources, the Briton’s car featured a slightly different aerodynamic setup, with a front wing setup optimized for increased top speed at the expense of grip in slow corners. This discovery stunned Leclerc, who had expressly warned Vasseur, as early as winter testing, that divergent adjustments between the two drivers risked compromising the team’s balance. “I told Fred that if we started customizing the cars without coordination, we would lose our cohesion,” a visibly annoyed Leclerc told reporters.

This technical choice, validated by Vasseur, was intended to compensate for Hamilton’s difficulties adapting to the SF-25. After more than a decade at Mercedes, the seven-time world champion is struggling to get used to the Ferrari’s handling, particularly in terms of braking and tire management. At the Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton had already suffered from excessive tire wear, aggravated by an aggressive strategy, while Leclerc, more comfortable, had optimized his setup to preserve his tires. In Barcelona, ​​the team attempted a bold approach for Hamilton, hoping he could take advantage of the circuit’s long straights. However, this strategy proved counterproductive, with Hamilton complaining of a lack of grip and an “unpredictable” car.

Vasseur’s decision to favor a specific setup for Hamilton rekindled tensions within Ferrari. Leclerc, who dominated his teammate in the first five races of the season, had expected a more unified approach, especially after the double disqualification in China, where technical errors had cost the team dearly. This mishap, caused by an excessively worn board on Hamilton’s car and an incorrect weight on Leclerc’s, had already highlighted flaws in the Scuderia’s management. “We have to work together, not each on our own,” Leclerc insisted at the time, a message that appears to have gone unheeded.

Observers note that Vasseur, facing the pressure of bringing Ferrari back to the top after 16 years without a title, is trying to juggle the egos and styles of the two drivers. Hamilton, with his experience, pushes for a set-up that suits his driving style, while Leclerc, deeply rooted in the Ferrari culture, prioritizes stability and consistency. This divergence has led to uneven performances: Leclerc has taken two podiums, including a second place in Monaco, while Hamilton has shone only in sprints, with a victory in China. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Vasseur could impose team orders in the next races to establish a hierarchy, a prospect that worries Leclerc fans.

On social media, reactions were strong. “Charles deserves to be the leader, he knows the car better than anyone,” wrote one supporter on X, while another defended Hamilton: “Lewis needs time, it’s normal for him to test things.” Meanwhile, Leclerc remains focused on the upcoming race, hoping to capitalize on the new technical directive regarding front wings, which could shake up the hierarchy. Vasseur, for his part, downplayed the incident, saying that “adjustments are part of the process.” But for Leclerc, this shocking discovery is a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for Ferrari in a season where every point counts. With McLaren dominating the championship, can the Scuderia overcome its internal divisions to become a dominant force again?