Rob Smedley reveals how Lewis Hamilton's recent success with Ferrari is being celebrated by his former colleagues. Hamilton's resurgence has been likened to Michael Schumacher's legendary time with the team.
Rob Smedley, a veteran engineer who spent a decade with Ferrari, has shed light on how Lewis Hamilton's recent success is being received within the famed Italian team. After a tough 2025 season, Hamilton has turned the tide with Ferrari, culminating in a triumphant win in Barcelona. According to Smedley, former colleagues at Ferrari are thrilled with Hamilton's resurgence, with some even placing him on a pedestal.
After a rather humbling first year with Ferrari, marked by early qualifying exits and a scramble for points, Hamilton has come back revitalized. A productive winter, Ferrari's behind-the-scenes efforts, and a car that suits his driving style have all contributed to his comeback. Following two consecutive second-place finishes in Canada and Monaco, Hamilton seized his maiden Grand Prix victory for Ferrari in Barcelona, executing a bold three-stop strategy to outmaneuver Mercedes.
Speaking on the _High Performance Racing_ podcast, Smedley expressed his thoughts on Hamilton's breakthrough and its impact on the team. He even hinted at a "Michael story," suggesting Hamilton could emulate Michael Schumacher's era of dominance with Ferrari. "Everyone's really pleased," Smedley noted. "I'm in chat groups with my old Ferrari colleagues, and they're ecstatic about Lewis—they just adore him."
Smedley elaborated on Hamilton's work ethic, noting the intense effort Hamilton invests, often misunderstood due to his public persona. "Like Max Verstappen, Michael Schumacher, and Sebastian Vettel, Lewis puts a tremendous amount of himself into this," Smedley said. "When you give everything and keep pushing despite setbacks, a win brings an emotional release."
As the season progresses, Smedley expects Hamilton to maintain his upward trajectory, though he acknowledges teammate Charles Leclerc has had a challenging time. "Looking at the performance balance, Lewis is currently ahead, creating a tough situation for Charles," Smedley observed. "While things might even out over the season, I think Lewis will come out on top."
Smedley's insights highlight not just the technical prowess but also the emotional and psychological elements that make F1 such a compelling sport. As Hamilton continues his journey with Ferrari, the echoes of Schumacher's legacy loom large, promising an intriguing season ahead.