Source: Official Team Post via X
Damon Hill Urges Ferrari to Back Lewis Hamilton as Lead Driver
Damon Hill is adamant that Ferrari should make Lewis Hamilton their top driver for a shot at the world title. Tensions with Charles Leclerc have risen, and Hill believes clear team leadership is key.
Damon Hill is sticking to his guns about Ferrari’s need to prioritize Lewis Hamilton if they intend to clinch the world title. The friction between Hamilton and his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, took center stage at the Mexican Grand Prix, where the two collided on the first lap.
Hill’s Take on Ferrari’s Driver Dynamics During the race, Hamilton and Leclerc both went off the track while tussling for the lead. Leclerc initially took the lead but was penalized five seconds for gaining an advantage. Post-race, Leclerc accused Hamilton of pushing him off the track, while Hamilton fired back, claiming Leclerc was deliberately working against him, a move he said cost Ferrari the win. Hamilton called for "serious talks" behind the scenes.
The tension lingered into the Brazilian GP weekend, with Hamilton suggesting Leclerc races his teammates more aggressively than others. Despite later playing down the situation, it’s clear Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has a challenge on his hands with this combustible pairing. Hill’s solution? Make Hamilton the unequivocal number one driver.
Hill reiterated his stance on social media after Mexico, stating: “Make Lewis #1 Ferrari driver. Sort it out. Make it clear. Ends all debate. Lewis will deliver for Ferrari if they back him 100%.”
Even after the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Hamilton finished ninth and Leclerc eighth, Hill didn’t waver. Speaking on Sky Sports’ The F1 Show, he highlighted Ferrari’s investment in Hamilton, emphasizing the potential for both Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships if the team backs Hamilton fully. "You have to make a decision as a team principal," Hill argued, "and I think it makes sense to put all your eggs behind Lewis."
The Case for Hamilton Hill pointed out Hamilton's extraordinary ability to rebound from setbacks, referencing his performance this year and his pole positions and race wins in a Ferrari. "Who would have said that was possible last year?" he mused. Hill also noted the political challenges within Ferrari, implying that internal factions could undermine the team’s competitive edge against Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes.
Ultimately, Hill believes resolving the Hamilton-Leclerc rivalry in Hamilton’s favor is crucial for a serious championship challenge in 2027. "Lewis has got a valid point," Hill concluded. "He's there to make them win as a team, not just be a Ferrari driver."