F1 insider reveals factor that could see Lewis Hamilton leave Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari career could end early according to F1 journalist Will Buxton, particularly if reports of a leadership change come to life.

Hamilton's fairytale switch to Ferrari has failed to yield a single grand prix podium in 12 races for the 40-year-old, who joined the Maranello-based outfit to significant fanfare during the winter.

The seven-time world champion is contracted with the team until the end of the 2026 season, but Buxton has suggested that this may be cut short if his current team principal is given the axe.

Hamilton and Fred Vasseur worked together in GP2 back in 2006, when Hamilton won the title and was subsequently promoted to F1, and the Brit has been backing Vasseur throughout 2025, despite pressure on the Frenchman's position.

Now, following the brutal axing of Christian Horner from the Red Bull setup, Vasseur has been tipped to be replaced by the man who led the Milton Keynes-based squad to six constructors' championships across 20 years.

But Buxton believes this would just add unnecessary strain on the team, and the relationship between Ferrari and their seven-time world champion driver.

"One of the key reasons that Lewis moved to Ferrari - it wasn't just the allure of racing for the Scuderia, it was to link up once again with Fred Vasseur, who ran Lewis to his junior series championships," Buxton told the Sports Agents podcast.

"Lewis adores that man and has absolute faith in Fred Vasseur. If they replaced Fred with Christian Horner, I don't think Lewis would be a Ferrari driver for much longer."

READ MORE: Red Bull announce Christian Horner FIRED in shock F1 departure

Will Horner join Ferrari?

Ferrari's poor pace in 2025 has frequently frustrated Hamilton, alongside his form compared to his team-mate who has been able to push the car further than the champion.

He has only outqualified Charles Leclerc on four occasions out of 12, and sits 16 points behind the Monegasque racer down in sixth in the drivers' championship.

Leclerc has also driven brilliantly well to secure four podiums in 2025 to Hamilton's zero, and the Brit will be looking to pick up his form to prove that he is the man to win Ferrari their first championship of any kind since 2008.

The same applies to Vasseur, with speculation surrounding his future, but Ferrari have not yet indicated that they are planning to replace the Frenchman, who joined the team in 2023.

READ MORE: F1 pundit warns Mercedes 'embarrassing' driver over Max Verstappen pursuit

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