Renowned motorsport strategist and former McLaren and Aston Martin senior figure, Bernie Collins, has decisively dismantled speculation surrounding a purported conspiracy against Lewis Hamilton within the Ferrari camp. These allegations suggest that Hamilton, who has experienced a tumultuous start to his Ferrari tenure, is being denied equitable access to optimal car setups compared to teammate Charles Leclerc. Collins categorically dismissed this theory, emphasizing that such claims lack substance and are counterproductive, especially as Ferrari aims to extract maximum performance from both of its drivers.
Hamilton’s recent struggles came to a head at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he failed to progress into Q3 while Leclerc secured pole position and further consolidated his authority within the team. The seven-time World Champion’s post-qualifying comments were deeply self-critical, as he labeled his own performance “useless” and even jested that Ferrari might be better served by replacing him. Despite a previous triumph in the China Sprint, Hamilton’s campaign has been marred by inconsistency and a glaring absence of podium finishes, all of which have been achieved solely by Leclerc thus far.
On The F1 Show podcast, Collins addressed these remarks and the growing murmurs of internal favoritism. She explained that Ferrari’s engineering team is likely engaged in meticulous efforts to adapt the SF-25 to Hamilton’s unique driving characteristics, and that any divergence in setups—such as the minor variations in rear and beam wings observed in FP1—likely stemmed from driver-specific preferences rather than any orchestrated agenda. She highlighted that different aerodynamic packages often favor distinct race conditions, and such strategic choices are common practice, not evidence of sabotage.
Furthermore, Collins underscored that Ferrari’s broader ambitions in the Constructors’ Championship would logically compel them to optimize performance across both drivers. With McLaren stretching their lead and Red Bull struggling with a less effective second driver, Ferrari’s competitive edge hinges on maximizing the collective output of both Leclerc and Hamilton. Suggesting that the team would deliberately hinder one of its most experienced and decorated drivers would not only be illogical but also detrimental to their championship objectives.
Ferrari currently holds second place in the Constructors’ standings, 24 points clear of Mercedes, with ten rounds remaining post-summer break. Given the fluctuating fortunes of rival teams, including Mercedes’ rookie struggles and Red Bull’s internal inconsistencies, Ferrari remains well-positioned to capitalize. Collins reasserted her disbelief in any nefarious internal politics, insisting that the team is singularly focused on fostering an environment that enables both drivers to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their championship bid.
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