Former Indycar and Nascar star who became a F1 expert, Danica Patrick, allegedly caused a major debate on the Formula 1 community with a bold interview containing a controversial commentary on the dynamics between the current Ferrari riders, Lewis Hamilton (who is in her last season with the team) and Charles Leclerc. Patrick’s comments go beyond simply analyzing the team’s dynamics, with some interpretations suggesting that she hinted that the new Hamilton could inadvertently “sabotage” Ferrari’s current efforts.
Although the context of Patrick’s interview and the exact text of his comment remains open to interpretation, some sources suggest that she was hinting a potential destabilizing effect that Hamilton’s imminent arrival in 2026 could have in the current Ferrari team. Considering recent radio communication problems and apparent tensions between Hamilton and Leclerc, Patrick’s comments can be interpreted as a suggestion that the focus and union within Ferrari are being affected by the expectation of such a significant pilot change.
Patrick, known for his frank opinions, may have highlighted a scenario in which the current team’s current strategies and pilots’ priorities are being influenced, consciously or unconsciously, through Hamilton’s arrival. This can manifest in subtle ways, affecting team decisions, resource allocation, and even the psychological dynamics between Leclerc and the team, knowing that a live world champion is expecting behind the scenes. The idea that a future pilot could indirectly harm a team’s current performance is provocative.
The reactions to Patrick’s comments were strong and mixed. Some fans and analysts share their opinion, pointing out visible friction and recent problems as possible signs of a problematic internal climate. Others criticized their comments as speculative and potentially inflammatory, arguing that it was unfair to suggest that Hamilton, who was not even officially part of the team, was somehow sabotaging the current season. Whatever the interpretation, Patrick’s bold interview no doubt added another layer of intrigue to the already complex narrative around Ferrari and the imminent arrival of Lewis Hamilton.
