🔥Breaking news: Controversy broke out again within Ferrari after Lewis Hamilton’s BAD performance when Charlec Leclerc harshly criticized “Why is his salary more than mine?” with Lewis Hamilton’s huge salary.
The Ferrari Formula 1 team is once again under scrutiny as internal tensions have boiled over following a disappointing performance by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at the recent Miami Grand Prix. The race, which saw Hamilton struggle to keep pace with his teammate Charles Leclerc, has reignited debates about team dynamics, strategy, and, most controversially, the stark disparity in their salaries. Leclerc, visibly frustrated, reportedly questioned why Hamilton commands a significantly higher paycheck despite underperforming, sparking a fresh wave of controversy within the iconic Italian team.
Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in a blockbuster move at the start of the 2025 season, signed a three-year contract reportedly worth $50 million per season, complemented by a $20 million signing bonus. In contrast, Leclerc, Ferrari’s homegrown talent and a driver who has been with the team since 2019, earns an annual salary of $34 million, with a $12 million bonus, according to reports circulating on X. While these figures place both drivers among the highest-paid in Formula 1, the gap has become a focal point of discontent, especially as Hamilton’s early races with Ferrari have failed to meet expectations.
The Miami Grand Prix was a particularly sore point. Hamilton, starting from a midfield position, struggled with pace throughout the weekend, finishing well behind Leclerc, who managed to salvage a podium despite Ferrari’s ongoing struggles with car setup and strategy. Post-race radio exchanges revealed Hamilton’s frustration with team orders, as he was not given priority to swap positions with Leclerc despite being in a faster car at certain stages. “This is not good teamwork,” Hamilton was quoted as saying, a sentiment that echoed through the paddock and fueled speculation about discord within Ferrari.
Leclerc, known for his measured demeanor, reportedly let his frustrations slip in a heated moment after the race. Sources close to the team claim he questioned the justification for Hamilton’s hefty salary, asking, “Why is he paid so much more than me?” This outburst, while not officially confirmed by Ferrari, has been widely discussed on platforms like X, where fans and analysts have taken sides in the debate. Some argue that Hamilton’s experience and global brand justify his paycheck, while others believe Leclerc, as Ferrari’s long-term prospect, deserves equal or greater compensation for his consistent performances.
The salary dispute is only part of a broader narrative of unease within Ferrari. The team has faced criticism for its strategic decisions, with the Miami Grand Prix highlighting ongoing issues with pit stop timing and tire management. Hamilton’s integration into the team has also been less seamless than anticipated. While both drivers have publicly stated there is “no bad blood,” the tension is palpable, with Hamilton noting, “We’re not where we want to be, Charles and I.” This acknowledgment of their collective struggles suggests a desire to move forward, but the public nature of their grievances has put Ferrari’s management under pressure to address the situation.
Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, has remained tight-lipped about the internal dynamics, emphasizing the need for unity as the team battles to close the gap to rivals like Red Bull and McLaren. However, the financial commitment to Hamilton, coupled with his lackluster results so far, has raised questions about the team’s investment. Posts on X have speculated that Hamilton’s $116 million contract over three years could become a financial burden if his performance does not improve, especially as Leclerc continues to outperform him on the track.
The controversy comes at a critical juncture for Ferrari, which is aiming to reclaim its status as a championship contender. The team’s storied history is built on passion and excellence, but recent years have been marred by strategic missteps and internal conflicts. Hamilton’s arrival was meant to signal a new era, but instead, it has exposed cracks in the team’s foundation. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Ferrari navigates this storm. Will Hamilton silence his critics with a return to form, or will Leclerc’s frustrations lead to a deeper rift? For now, the Scuderia’s dream team is looking more like a pressure cooker, with the world watching to see if it can hold together.
