Lewis Hamilton surprises F1 paddock with uncommon behaviour not seen in years at Spanish GP

Lewis Hamilton’s Uncommon Spanish GP Paddock Entrance Raises Eyebrows Amid Ferrari Tensions

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton was fast to go away the highlight following the conclusion of the Spanish Grand Prix, avoiding any extended keep within the paddock after one other irritating race weekend. As Charles Leclerc celebrated Ferrari’s third podium end of the 2025 season, Hamilton was noticeably absent from the post-race celebrations. Regardless of reaching two top-three finishes this yr, each got here throughout Dash races—which award considerably fewer factors—leaving the seven-time world champion nonetheless and not using a full Grand Prix podium in 2025.

The Spanish Grand Prix had appeared like a promising alternative for Hamilton to finish that drought. He made an aggressive and well-executed cross on Mercedes driver George Russell on the opening lap, suggesting a powerful run might be on the playing cards. Nonetheless, hopes of securing a spot as one of the best of the remainder behind the dominant McLaren duo rapidly unraveled.

Max Verstappen’s overtake on Lando Norris early within the race allowed the Dutchman to create a substantial hole on the entrance, whereas Hamilton discovered himself unable to take care of aggressive tempo. His struggles additionally affected his teammate’s race, as Charles Leclerc was heard over crew radio urging Ferrari to instruct Hamilton to let him cross, citing that the Briton’s slower tempo was compromising his personal race technique.

Lewis Hamilton’s disappointing efficiency was compounded within the closing levels when he was overtaken by Nico Hülkenberg, who was operating on considerably brisker tyres. The transfer drew a visual response from followers, lots of whom had been dismayed to see the a number of world champion being handed so late within the race by a Sauber.

Amid the on-track setbacks, Lewis Hamilton drew extra consideration for an uncommon second within the paddock earlier than the race even started. Famend Method 1 photographer Kym Illman famous a shocking change in Hamilton’s pre-race routine—one thing not seen for fairly a while. In response to Kym Illman, Lewis Hamilton arrived on the paddock by driving nearly instantly as much as the doorway gate, which safety personnel opened specifically for him. This allowed him to exit his automotive in a comparatively secluded space, the place solely a handful of media members had been current.

Kym Illman defined that Lewis Hamilton briefly interacted with a number of people earlier than his private safety guard produced an umbrella to defend him from photographers. This act of deliberately avoiding the media was characterised by Illman as extremely unorthodox and never typical of another driver on the grid. He described the incident as harking back to older Hamilton habits that had not been noticed in a number of seasons.

Later that very same day, as photographers gathered close to the pit lane gate, the Briton reportedly paused momentarily and acknowledged the media presence. Nonetheless, he quickly opted to take an alternate route, strolling behind his safety guard along with his telephone raised to obscure his face earlier than disappearing into the Ferrari storage. Notably, Lewis Hamilton was carrying official Ferrari apparel, though Kym Illman recommended that the Briton has a particular association with the crew permitting him to put on fashion-oriented clothes on choose days all through the season.

This stage of media avoidance, in accordance with the Australian motorsport photographer, entrepreneur and YouTuber, is just not one thing generally seen with another Method 1 driver. He acknowledged, nonetheless, that after so a few years within the highlight, the fixed scrutiny may understandably really feel exhausting for Hamilton, particularly as he navigates the ultimate chapters of a high-profile profession.

In the meantime, tensions seem like simmering throughout the Ferrari camp concerning the strategic path of the crew. Lewis Hamilton has but to match the expectations set when he joined the Scuderia, whereas Charles Leclerc continues to increase his benefit over his new teammate within the drivers’ standings. Although the Monegasque has solely been a real victory contender as soon as—on the Monaco Grand Prix—his consistency has outshone Hamilton’s outcomes to this point.

On the core of Ferrari’s inner debate is the looming overhaul of Method 1 rules in 2026. Whereas some groups are already starting to shift their focus to the subsequent improvement cycle, Ferrari has to this point maintained its dedication to the present automotive. This strategy, nonetheless, is reportedly not shared by Hamilton, who believes it’s time for the crew to prioritize preparations for 2026.

The philosophical divide between Lewis Hamilton and crew principal Fred Vasseur is starting to point out. Sources recommend that the 2 figures will not be aligned on how Ferrari ought to allocate its sources transferring ahead. Lewis Hamilton is alleged to favor a proactive transition towards future rules, whereas Fred Vasseur stays decided to proceed preventing for ends in the current.

Until a consensus is reached quickly, the disconnect between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari management may threat additional pressure on a partnership nonetheless in its early levels. With McLaren and Pink Bull persevering with to drag forward, inner unity could show simply as essential to Ferrari’s future as technical efficiency.

Jun 3, 2025Alex Marino

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