Maurizio Arrivabene has nailed exactly why Ferrari signing Lewis Hamilton was a mistake

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Maurizio Arrivabene spent four seasons in charge of Ferrari as team principal and had an impact on the team that still persists to this day.

Charles Leclerc was confirmed as a Ferrari driver at the end of Maurizio Arrivabene’s tenure before he was replaced by Mattia Binotto.

Arrivabene previously worked with Ferrari during Michael Schumacher’s era on the commercial side before he was appointed team principal, where he oversaw three seasons in which the Scuderia finished second in the constructors’ championship.

The 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be Lewis Hamilton’s final F1 race – discuss.

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Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel were Ferrari’s drivers during the Italian’s reign, although Raikkonen had previously admitted being happy to leave Ferrari, and was dropped again at the end of Arrivabene’s tenure in charge to make way for Leclerc.

Lewis Hamilton is the latest world champion to join Ferrari, and his dismal first campaign with the team ended without a Grand Prix podium to his name.

Arrivabene has now perfectly summed up why current team principal Fred Vasseur should never have signed Hamilton, as well as his thoughts on Leclerc, Max Verstappen and McLaren boss Andrea Stella.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

Ferrari should have only signed Lewis Hamilton if they had the ‘right vehicle’ – Arrivabene

Speaking to Quotidiano Nazionale at the conclusion of the season, Arrivabene said: “McLaren went many years without touching the ball, twenty-six years without a constructors’ world championship, seventeen without a drivers’ title.

“As they say, they crossed the desert, recreating a competitive mentality. That’s why I mentioned Stella at the beginning. In fact, I have one regret.

“Andrea left Ferrari shortly before I arrived. I would have liked to work with him; everyone in the company spoke highly of him.”

When asked about Ferrari’s campaign and the signing of Hamilton, he continued: “Well, I’m disappointed like everyone else. I know how difficult it is to win in F1. So I refrain from making judgments about who’s there now.

“This requires some complex reasoning. Let me explain: for me, Lewis isn’t finished. He’s still competitive.

“But you only take someone like Hamilton on board if you can give him a competitive car. He needs the right vehicle to perform at his best. If you don’t have it, don’t hire him.”

“It’s not criticism, it’s common sense.”

Arrivabene moved onto Leclerc and admitted: “Well, I love him. I launched him at Ferrari in 2019. He’s a great driver, and he always proves it. Personally, I have no doubt: one day he’ll be world champion.”

“I hope so [with Ferrari], but I don’t know. He’ll definitely win the championship, I have no doubt.”

Finally, when asked if Verstappen’s domination of Formula 1 is now over after Lando Norris won the title, he suggested: “Don’t be ridiculous! Max is phenomenal. You see, there are fifty thousand components in a single-seater. Well, the Dutchman manages to squeeze the best out of every detail.

“Verstappen is Michael Schumacher’s heir. He has the same strength, the same sense of leadership. He knows how to inspire those who work with him.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

Ferrari already making changes to their 2026 car to suit Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton’s Ferrari contract runs into 2027, but whether he or the team will want to continue beyond next year will come down to the competitiveness of the car.

If Ferrari aren’t challenging for victories, and Hamilton is once again a step off the pace of Leclerc, then some difficult decisions might need to be made.

Ferrari are already adapting the steering wheel of next year’s car to try and help Hamilton, with his previous steering wheel from his time at Mercedes in mind.

On top of this, Hamilton has vowed to throw his phone ‘in the bin’ during the winter break to try and do a full mental reset ahead of another gruelling season.

Testing begins earlier than ever next year, and with a completely new set of technical regulations now in place, Hamilton faces a different challenge when it comes to adapting to Ferrari’s next car.