The 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix offered a spectacle worthy of a Hollywood thriller, but it was off the track that the most sensational explosion occurred. Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur openly criticized seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in an explosive press conference after a chaotic race. This unexpected clash between two great figures of Formula 1 has set social media ablaze and divided fans. What happened? Let’s dive into this saga that is shaking up the paddock.

The Jeddah circuit, known for its tight corners and crazy speeds, once again delivered on its promise of spectacle. From the start, a collision between Hamilton, now a Ferrari driver, and Max Verstappen (Red Bull) triggered a series of incidents. Hamilton, who had started third, attempted a daring overtaking move on Verstappen at the first corner, but the two drivers touched, forcing Hamilton off the track and inflicting a controversial penalty on Verstappen. Subsequently, a poorly executed pit stop strategy by Ferrari relegated Hamilton to 10th place, far from his podium hopes.

The race itself was marred by numerous interruptions, including a red flag after a spectacular crash involving Lando Norris (McLaren). Despite these twists and turns, Charles Leclerc saved Ferrari’s honor by taking second place behind George Russell (Mercedes). But it was Hamilton’s post-race attitude that lit the fuse.

In the post-race press conference, Frédéric Vasseur did not mince words. Visibly frustrated, he highlighted Hamilton’s approach on the track: “Lewis is a champion, but he must understand that at Ferrari we work as a team. His overtaking on Verstappen was too risky and cost us dearly. We cannot afford this type of mistake.” These comments, rare from a sporting director towards a driver of Hamilton’s caliber, shocked observers.

Vasseur also criticized Hamilton’s behavior in the media, publicly questioning Ferrari’s strategy. “If Lewis has a problem with our decisions, he should come and talk to us internally, not vent to the press. It damages the team spirit,” Vasseur added. The comments mark a turning point in Hamilton’s relationship with Ferrari, which began auspiciously after his high-profile move from Mercedes in 2024.

Vasseur’s outburst has set social media ablaze. In X, Hamilton fans have defended their idol, arguing that his aggressive style is what makes him a champion. “Vasseur should be grateful to have Lewis. Without him, Ferrari would still be grabbing crumbs!” wrote one supporter. Others, however, are backing Vasseur, believing that Hamilton needs to adapt to Ferrari’s culture, where the team takes precedence over the individual. “At Ferrari we don’t do what we want, even if we are called Hamilton,” another commented.

Analysts, for their part, are wondering about the long-term implications. Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve told Canal+: “Hamilton is used to being the star of Mercedes, but Ferrari is an institution. If he doesn’t respect their philosophy, it will end badly.” Other observers note that this tension could weaken Ferrari in its race for the constructors’ title, while Red Bull and McLaren remain serious competitors.

The clash comes at a delicate time for Ferrari. After years of drought, the Italian team finally seemed to be on the right track with the arrival of Hamilton and the solid performances of Leclerc. But internal tensions threaten to undermine this progress. Hamilton, known for his professionalism, has not yet responded directly to Vasseur’s criticism, but his silence speaks volumes. In a brief interview with Sky Sports, he simply said: “I’m here to win, not to create drama. We will resolve this internally.”

For Vasseur, this media outing could be a risky gamble. Publicly criticizing a driver of Hamilton’s caliber could strengthen the team’s unity, but it could also create a divide that will be difficult to bridge. The next few races, particularly the Bahrain Grand Prix in two weeks, will be crucial in assessing the state of relations between the two men.

The clash between Vasseur and Hamilton is more than just a post-race argument. It raises questions about Hamilton’s integration into Ferrari, managing egos at a legendary team, and the team’s future in the ultra-competitive 2025 championship. Fans can’t wait to see how the saga unfolds. One thing is for sure: in Formula 1, drama is never limited to the track. Stay tuned for the rest of the series, which promises to be even more twists and turns!