While Hamilton delivered a strong performance, Leclerc struggled throughout the weekend. Following a sixth-place finish, the Monegasque driver spoke to the media and made a revealing statement about his frustrations.

After a strong start to the season during the Middle East leg, Leclerc has been unable to replicate that form in Europe’s first race. Reflecting on his weekend at Imola, he didn’t hold back in his criticism.

“I was saying before the race, it was one of those races where you’ve got to race with your heart and put your elbows out a little bit,” Leclerc told Sky Sports F1. “I know that when it’s like this, you’re pushing to the limit, sometimes even over it. But when you start P11, as a driver, I just cannot accept the situation we are in.”

Leclerc reflects on on-track incidents at Imola

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc weighed in on two key incidents during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. One involved Pierre Gasly, where Leclerc highlighted the calculated risks he took in the heat of competition.

“I took risks. I don’t think I was over the limit with Pierre Gasly. It was just a racing incident, the way I see it,” Leclerc told Sky Sports, speaking about the clash with the Alpine driver.

Leclerc also addressed a separate moment with Alex Albon as they battled during the race. “With Alex, it was definitely right on the limit. Based on how the rules are written, I felt I was just within them,” he said.

Leclerc on his overall performance at Imola

Leclerc also shared his thoughts on his overall approach to Sunday’s race, expressing no regrets about his decisions. “I’ll have to review the footage, but I don’t regret anything I did. Today was about giving everything I had. From the moment I stayed out during the second safety car, I knew it was going to be a very tough race,” he said.

“Most of the time I say something, today I don’t think I’ll say anything,” Leclerc told reporters after the race, according to Crash.net. “We need to do better, that’s for sure. Today was not ideal and was far from maximizing our potential,” he added.

The key issue was a delayed call to swap cars when Hamilton, on mediums, was clearly quicker than Leclerc on hard tyres. “We should have discussed a little bit more before doing the swap,” Leclerc said. “All of this made the situation a bit trickier […] we need to be robust enough that whenever we find ourselves in those situations, we do better.”

Despite the drama, Leclerc made it clear there was no tension with Hamilton. “No bad feelings with Lewis, not at all,” he said, adding that in Hamilton’s position, he would’ve done the same. “I understand that he wants to try and optimize as much as I want to try and optimize the car’s potential. The car’s potential is just this, which is frustrating.”

Hamilton slams Ferrari’s strategy over team radio

Hamilton wasn’t shy about airing his frustration over the radio during the race. Early on, stuck behind Leclerc with Antonelli ahead, he asked: “So you want me to just sit here the whole race?” Ferrari initially told him to hold station, only to change their minds a few laps later.

By the time Hamilton was finally let through on Lap 39, he was already unhappy. “This is not good teamwork, that’s all I’m going to say,” he told Riccardo Adami. “Have a tea break while you’re at it, come on!”

The back-and-forth didn’t end there. Just when Hamilton was gaining on Antonelli, Ferrari asked for another swap, suggesting Leclerc might be faster. Hamilton’s response: “So you don’t think I can catch up, or what?”

In the closing laps, with Carlos Sainz approaching from behind, Hamilton delivered one last jab. “You want me to let him past as well?” he said. It summed up the messy day for Ferrari, who never quite managed to get out of their own way.

Teaming up with Charles Leclerc, Hamilton is doing everything he can to adapt to a car designed to bring Ferrari back into title contention. However, through four races, the seven-time world champion has yet to make a decisive impact, prompting questions from fans and analysts alike.

Hamilton’s transition hasn’t been as smooth as his first seasons with McLaren or Mercedes. Ahead of the Saudi Arabian GP, he didn’t hide his frustration when discussing the challenges he’s faced adjusting to the new ride.

Asked about what it would take to feel comfortable behind the wheel, Hamilton didn’t hold back: “I’ll need a brain transplant to drive this car,” he said. The brutally honest remark reflects his ongoing struggle, as Ferrari’s start to the 2025 season has been anything but ideal.

Hamilton reflects on qualifying struggles

After a frustrating qualifying session on Saturday, Hamilton will start the Grand Prix from seventh on the grid. While that was the best result he could manage under the circumstances, the seven-time world champion admitted he wasn’t entirely satisfied, though he acknowledged it as a small victory following a difficult weekend.

“I’d been nowhere all weekend, 13th, I think, in almost every session, so, honestly, I feel grateful to have made it to Q3 and qualified P7,” Hamilton said. “Not a spectacular last lap, but I’ve been making progress throughout the weekend. I needed a better lap at the end, but, as I said, I’m just grateful to be there. Still plenty of time to come.”

Hamilton sets realistic expectations for race day

With expectations running high, especially among Ferrari fans, heading into the race in Jeddah, Hamilton acknowledged the challenges ahead and his current struggle to find rhythm with the car. “Praying, more like! Trying to bond with this car on a single lap is something that I am finding very difficult at the moment,” he said.

“But we don’t give up. When there’s a will, there’s a way. We keep pushing, keep trying. I’ve got some amazing support, so we just keep working hard,” Hamilton added. With that mindset, both Hamilton and the Ferrari team are hoping for a strong performance when the lights go out on Sunday.

Ferrari was focused on overcoming a tough start to the year, particularly after the penalty at the Chinese Grand Prix. Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc needed to recover in the standings, and they made significant progress, both coming close to the podium in Bahrain.

As the team regained its footing, Hamilton had the chance to address the media following the Bahrain Grand Prix, delivering a clear message about the car and the challenges ahead. He explained how he was adjusting to the new machine and finding his rhythm with it.

“What’s clear is that, as humans, we tend to get stuck in our ways,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1. “I’ve been driving the same car with the same team for so long, and now, with a new car, it requires a completely different driving style and setup.” Hamilton added, “The car demands a different approach. I’m adjusting, and I think I’m slowly getting the hang of it and finding the right balance.”

Hamilton’s thoughts on his teammate Leclerc

After sharing the track with Leclerc this season, Hamilton offered some insights into the performance of the 27-year-old driver. He discussed Leclerc’s approach to handling the car and how the Monegasque driver extracts the maximum from it.

“What Charles does is he sets up the car and sticks with that setup throughout the weekend. Last week and again this weekend, I was quite a bit off, but just before qualifying, I closed the gap. However, by then, the settings were off. I need to improve my consistency throughout the weekend, and I will,“ Hamilton commented.

Hamilton’s self-critique and areas for improvement

As Ferrari has made strides in areas like aerodynamics and pit stop times, Hamilton acknowledged his own areas for improvement. He expressed confidence that there are many aspects where he can perform better in this Formula 1 season.

“I need to make things easier for myself — right now, I’m doing it the hard way. Next week, I’ll aim to start in a better place and avoid any major deviations. I’ve learned how the car prefers to be driven, so if I apply that, and if I can qualify better, I’m confident I’ll have a much better weekend,” Hamilton explained.

Heading into the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, Lewis Hamilton led the drivers’ standings with 94 points for McLaren. Seven points behind was local favorite Felipe Massa, Ferrari’s top title contender.

The scenario was simple: if Massa won the race and Hamilton finished sixth or lower, the championship would go to the Brazilian. But the decisive moment of the race didn’t come from Massa or even Hamilton, but Glock, who had to be escorted by the police after the race.

How Glock’s decision helped Hamilton win the title

In his second full season in Formula 1, Glock was driving for Toyota in 2008, unaware that a late-race decision would make him the center of controversy. While Massa secured the race win, Hamilton was in a tense battle for fifth place with Sebastian Vettel in the final lap—on a rain-soaked track.

Late in the race, heavy rain forced most drivers to switch to wet-weather tires. Glock was one of the only ones who stayed out on slicks, hoping to hold his position. With just two laps to go, the worsening conditions made his Toyota nearly undrivable. He had built up a big gap earlier by staying out, but as the track became slicker, he started dropping positions quickly.

At that moment, Vettel was ahead of Hamilton, meaning Massa was on track to win the title. But in the final corners, both Vettel and Hamilton passed Glock, who had no grip left to fight back. That last-second move gave Hamilton the fifth-place finish he needed to become world champion—just a single point ahead of Massa.

The aftermath and Glock’s response

The dramatic finish led to one of the most famous calls in F1 commentary history, with Martin Brundle exclaiming, “IS THAT GLOCK?!” as Hamilton crossed the line to take the title. Ferrari fans and the Brazilian crowd, stunned that Massa had lost at the very last moment, quickly turned their frustration toward Glock, accusing him of letting Hamilton through.

Years later, Glock addressed the controversy, telling Planet F1 in 2021: “People still think I did it on purpose. I’ve seen comments saying they’d love to hear how I explained to Felipe [Massa] that I left the door open for Lewis [Hamilton].”

He explained what really happened: “I was on the radio with my team, telling them I couldn’t survive those last two laps. They told me I couldn’t pit because the box was blocked. Everyone was going crazy because, at that moment, Massa was about to become champion.”

Glock’s return to racing in 2025

Despite the backlash, Glock continued his racing career, earning a podium finish with Toyota in 2009. He stayed in F1 until 2012, driving for Virgin and Marussia before moving to other motorsport series, most notably the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), where he raced until retiring in 2021.

Now, at 43, Glock is making a comeback. He’ll return to professional racing in 2025, competing in the German touring car series with Dorr McLaren—the same manufacturer that, years ago, indirectly benefited from his unforgettable moment at Interlagos.

While legends like Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, and Max Verstappen have all left their mark on the sport, the GOAT debate typically comes down to Schumacher and Hamilton. Now, one of F1’s most respected figures, Ross Brawn, who has worked with both of them has given his opinion on the matter.

In an interview with Auto Hebdo in January 2025, Brawn was asked to choose between Schumacher and Hamilton. He provided a detailed response, but his conclusion was firm: Schumacher stands alone as the greatest.

“Hamilton had the same commitment, talent, and desire as Michael, but with a different approach,” Brawn explained. “Helping him win each of his seven world titles was incredible for me. But there’s nothing above Michael.”

Brawn’s praise didn’t stop there. “Talent is essential, and Michael’s was immense. F1 has seen many talented drivers who couldn’t fully apply it—Michael knew how. He had exceptional physical conditioning, incredible focus, and an unmatched commitment. He had every attribute needed and the intelligence to master every stage of his career,” Brawn concluded.

Brawn has a respected career in F1

Brawn, the former team principal of Benetton, Ferrari, and Mercedes, played a pivotal role in shaping Schumacher’s career. He worked alongside the German at Benetton and Ferrari, helping him secure all seven of his world championships—a record now shared with Hamilton. Brawn also had a hand in Hamilton’s early years at Mercedes before stepping away in 2013 when Toto Wolff took over.

In 2022, Brawn stepped down as F1’s Managing Director of Motorsports. During his 46-year career, he went from apprentice mechanic to team boss. Apart from working with Bennetton, Ferrari, Mercedes and Honda, he also founded his eponymous team, Brawn GP.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri dominated the race, and all eyes were on his team, with his teammate Lando Norris finishing second. Mercedes’ George Russell, former teammate of Hamilton, secured third place. While the race featured several notable moments, the most attention-grabbing story was the disqualifications of Ferrari’s drivers.

Since the Australian Grand Prix last weekend, the F1 world has been buzzing about the controversial modifications found on McLaren’s car. Although the changes weren’t deemed illegal, some speculated that they gave the team an unfair advantage. Now, it’s Ferrari’s car specifications that have come under scrutiny, leading to the disqualifications of Hamilton and Leclerc.

The official F1 statement on social media confirmed Hamilton’s disqualification from the Chinese GP due to “excessive skid wear” on his car, while Leclerc’s disqualification was due to his car being “underweight.” As a result, Ferrari will lose the 18 points they earned in China from Leclerc’s fifth-place finish and Hamilton’s sixth-place finish.

Another driver disqualified from the China GP

In a turn of events similar to Charles Leclerc’s disqualification, another driver was removed from the race results despite being listed. Alpine team leader Pierre Gasly faced the same fate as Leclerc, with his car found “underweight” by Formula 1 officials.

As Gasly did not score points during the race, his disqualification allowed several other drivers to move up the standings and earn valuable points. Among the beneficiaries was former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr., who gained an advantage from the ruling.

Sainz Jr. secured his first points for Williams and will now aim for higher positions in upcoming races. However, with F1 closely scrutinizing car modifications, his path forward may not be as easy. Other drivers who benefited from the disqualifications included Lance Stroll, Oliver Bearman, Esteban Ocon, Kimi Antonelli, and Alex Albon.

Final standings from the 2025 Chinese GP

The disqualifications significantly altered the standings at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, reshuffling the top 10 and impacting the overall driver standings for the season. Here’s a look at the revised positions:

1. Oscar Piastri (25 points)
2. Lando Norris (18 points)
3. George Russell (15 points)
4. Max Verstappen (12 points)
5. Esteban Ocon (up 2 positions – 10 points)
6. Kimi Antonelli (up 2 positions – 8 points)
7. Alex Albon (up 2 positions – 6 points)
8. Oliver Bearman (up 2 positions – 4 points)
9. Lance Stroll (up 3 positions – 2 points)
10. Carlos Sainz Jr. (up 3 positions – 1 point)

Frederic Vasseur, the charismatic team principal of Ferrari, took the reins of the Italian team in January 2023 after a successful tenure at the helm of Alfa Romeo. Thanks to this, his personal fortune has been growing significantly.

His arrival in Maranello was met with enthusiasm, as he is credited with the ability to revitalize teams and bring them back to competitiveness. His earnings reflect his success daily, as well as his accomplishments with the team.

Beyond the figures currently in his bank account, he has been rubbing shoulders with high-profile figures like the pilots Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, who lead the talented racing team of Formula 1.

What is Frederic Vasseur’s net worth?

Frederic Vasseur has been part of talented F1 teams for several years, but his arrival at Ferrari has opened new doors and opportunities, increasing his earnings as well. As of March 2025, he has a net worth of $3.5 million.

Although his fortune is not as high as that of other prominent figures in Formula 1, his role as team principal of Ferrari, along with his previous positions at other teams like Alfa Romeo, has contributed to the growth of his wealth.

What is Frederic Vasseur’s salary?

Frederic Vasseur’s salary in Ferrari is estimated to be between €6 million and €8 million per year, placing him among the highest-paid in Formula 1. According to Sportskeeda, he ranks #5 on the list of the richest team principals.

In addition to their base salary, it is common for Formula 1 team principals to receive bonuses and other incentives tied to the team’s performance in the championship, although no specific details have been revealed so far.

Before joining Ferrari in January 2023, he accumulated extensive experience in motorsport, having led teams such as Alfa Romeo and ART Grand Prix, earning significant financial gains from his achievements in each of them.

Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque driver for Ferrari, has undergone a remarkable transformation from his humble beginnings in karting to becoming one of the most prominent figures in Formula 1.

His driving talent and charisma have been rewarded with a lucrative contract with Scuderia Ferrari and a series of commercial agreements that have elevated his net worth and earnings to impressive figures.

The lifestyle he leads reflects his earnings. He owns an impressive collection of vehicles, a luxurious residence and frequently travels to exotic destinations with his friends, his dog and his partner, Alexandra Saint Mleux.

What is Charles Leclerc’s net worth?

Charles Leclerc’s net worth has grown exponentially in recent years, but by 2025, his fortune is estimated to be around $50 million, according to sources such as Celebrity Net Worth and Planet F1.

This amount includes his annual earnings, but also his assets, such as his extensive collection of Ferrari cars (a true passion for the driver) and luxury properties in Monaco, where he resides.

The young star has not only made a name for himself as a brilliant Formula 1 pilot but has also proven to be an expert in managing and expanding his wealth, ensuring a financially secure future well beyond his career as a driver.

His lifestyle reflects this success: exotic trips with his loved ones, a luxury mansion in Monaco and a social calendar filled with high-profile events that complement his image as an international star.

What is Charles Leclerc’s salary?

One of the pillars of Charles Leclerc’s fortune is, without a doubt, his salary as Ferrari’s driver. In 2024, he signed a contract that, in addition to being one of the highest, reflects his commitment. His base salary is around $15 million.

This figure is complemented by performance bonuses that, if the driver has an outstanding season, can elevate his total salary to an impressive $27 million per year, according to sources like Motor Sport.

This places him among the highest-paid drivers on the circuit, alongside his teammate Lewis Hamilton, a recognition not only of his skill behind the wheel but also of his role as one of the most media-savvy figures in motorsport.

Charles Leclerc’s endorsements and investments

In addition to his salary as a driver, Charles Leclerc has successfully capitalized on his fame and the image he has built in Formula 1 to secure lucrative sponsorship deals with some of the most prestigious brands in the world.

Among his most important sponsors are giants like Giorgio Armani, a collaboration that highlights his style and elegance, and Richard Mille, the luxury watch brand that has adorned his wrist for years.

These deals not only contribute a significant sum to his bank account but also reinforce his status as a global icon. Through these sponsorships, he has managed to diversify his income, achieving financial stability.

Beyond his F1 career, he has invested in business ventures that allow him to increase his profitability. He has partnered with the low-calorie ice cream brand Grom and has been part of an investor team in Chrono24.

How much does Charles Leclerc earn per year?

In terms of total annual earnings, Charles Leclerc generates around $30 million each year. This figure includes his base salary, performance bonuses and sponsorship income, as The Sun reported.

Every time he steps onto the podium, his value in the sponsorship and business deals market skyrockets, ensuring that this young talent will continue to accumulate an even greater fortune in the coming years.

Without a doubt, he is a clear example of how outstanding talent in sports can go beyond the track, building a financial empire that will allow him to enjoy a future filled with both professional and economic success.

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 champion, has made a bold move in his career by joining the legendary Ferrari team in 2025, shaking up the world of motorsport and taking his net worth to new heights.

But his fortune extends far beyond the racetrack: luxury properties, smart investments and multimillion-dollar brand deals have turned him into a money-making machine. How much is Hamilton’s empire really worth?

His success is no longer measured solely in trophies but also in the astronomical figures he has amassed, fueled by his ventures across various industries, proving that his business acumen is as sharp as his talent behind the wheel.

What is Lewis Hamilton’s net worth?

Throughout his career in F1, Lewis Hamilton has amassed an extravagant fortune, all thanks to his talent on the track and his disruptive ventures, such as his foray into the fashion world. As of 2025, he boasts a net worth of $300 million.

A significant portion of this wealth comes from his real estate investments in exclusive locations. Among his properties is a $24.5 million mansion in the Fontvieille district of Monaco, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

He also owns a $38 million residence in Kensington, London, and a $66 million penthouse in Manhattan. Additionally, he has properties in Colorado, the Alpine foothills near Lake Geneva, and the Porta Nuova district in Milan.

With his historic move to Ferrari in 2025, the British driver continues to establish himself as one of the most influential and lucrative figures in sports, breaking records both on the track and in his bank account.

What is Lewis Hamilton’s salary?

Ferrari spared no expense in signing Hamilton. The seven-time champion secured a contract guaranteeing him an annual salary of €60 million ($65,7 million) with the Italian team, placing him among the highest-paid drivers in history.

How much does Lewis Hamilton earn per year?

If we add his base salary and performance bonuses, Lewis Hamilton earns approximately €70-90 million ($76-98 million) per year, making him one of the highest-paid drivers on the grid, second only to Max Verstappen.

But his income doesn’t stop there—endorsement deals with brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Mercedes-Benz and Puma, along with his ventures into fashion and sustainability, have turned him into a money-making machine.

Without a doubt, he competes not only for trophies but also for astronomical figures. His business acumen is as sharp as his talent behind the wheel and with Ferrari, his financial empire is set to keep growing at full speed.

Therefore, amid rumors of a potentially complicated relationship, the seven-time world champion has come forward to clarify that there are no issues with Leclerc and that they are ready for the 2025 season.

“Charles and I get on really well. We generally have for quite some time, but obviously when I knew that I was coming here, and also being the older driver, I really tried to go out of my way to try and make sure that we spoke more often and got to know each other a little bit more.”

Did Lewis Hamilton join Ferrari?

In a historic move, Lewis Hamilton left Mercedes to join Ferrari. Now, the goal is very clear. A legend working alongside a star like Charles Leclerc should be the ideal formula for winning the Constructors’ Championship.

“There are actually quite a few things we have in common. Like we flew here last night and we were up the whole time just playing chess. So, we’ve got a great rapport. He’s working incredibly hard and it’s great to see his work ethic and learn from him. His knowledge of what he has been and experienced here for the past six years. We’re really working together to elevate the team. It will without doubt be one of the strongest teammate pairings. That’s, I think, a positive.”