Charles Leclerc also enters the new season with immense expectations, particularly after what many consider to be his best season in Formula 1 yet, despite finishing third in the championship standings. There is growing sentiment that a Lewis Hamilton – Charles Leclerc partnership could represent Ferrari’s strongest driver pairing in decades, though it is difficult to overlook the legendary figures of Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, who set the modern standard for Ferrari drivers.

In a recent interview on *The Red Flags Podcast*, Rob Smedley offered an apology to Fernando Alonso, expressing regret that the team was never able to provide him with a car capable of winning the championship, even when he was at the peak of his career. During his tenure as a race engineer at Ferrari, Rob Smedley reflected on what set the German and the Spaniard apart from other drivers he worked with, highlighting the exceptional performance data that both drivers delivered while racing for the Scuderia.

The driving data from both Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso during their time at Ferrari was described as “otherworldly,” underscoring their unmatched ability to extract every bit of performance from the car.

Rob Smedley was asked about the German driver’s telemetry during his time at Ferrari and explained that it was important to map what should be expected in a driver’s data, identifying where certain performance levels should appear and how they should look. He noted that both Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso were exceptional in their ability to drive the car, highlighting how close they could push it to its limit. However, this was not always the case, as it was typically a special occasion when they could reach the edge of adhesion. The former Ferrari race engineer mentioned that in some instances, telemetry would reveal that drivers still had more grip available and could go faster, but this was usually due to the natural margin drivers maintain, considering the high speeds at which they were driving, where even a small mistake could have catastrophic consequences. Smedley emphasized that both Schumacher and Alonso often drove on the very limit of grip, with any slight mistake leading to a significant loss of control. He praised Michael Schumacher’s exceptional hand-feet coordination and his remarkable feel for the car, describing his abilities as “otherworldly” at times.

Fernando Alonso is determined to secure one final Formula 1 championship victory before he hangs up his helmet for good. While his record with Ferrari may not match the extraordinary achievements of Michael Schumacher, there is little doubt that Alonso was one of the fastest drivers on the grid between 2010 and 2013.

During those years, the Spaniard finished as runner-up to Sebastian Vettel three times, showcasing his speed and skill, though ultimately falling short of the title. Afterward, he moved to McLaren for a second stint, which unfortunately proved to be another disappointing campaign with the team.

At the age of 44, Alonso will enter the 2025 F1 season, but he remains realistic about his chances of adding to his impressive tally of 32 race victories. However, Aston Martin, with whom he has teamed up, have their sights set on a more promising future. The team is particularly optimistic about their prospects for 2026, when major regulatory changes will reshape the sport, and the strategic decisions they have made—including the signings of renowned figures like Adrian Newey, Enrico Cardile, and the partnership with Honda as their exclusive power unit supplier—are expected to bring significant benefits.

Fernando Alonso may well choose to retire at the end of the 2026 season, giving him just one more year to chase a third world championship to add to his two titles. Should he remain at the front of the grid, his vast experience will undoubtedly play a pivotal role, especially if Aston Martin can provide him with a competitive car capable of challenging for race wins.

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What impact will Lewis Hamilton have on Ferrari? According to a former employee of the Italian team, he will ensure a significant step forward

Lewis Hamilton could be the key to bringing Ferrari closer to the championship it has been chasing since 2008. At least, that’s what a former pillar of the Scuderia believes. In 2024, Ferrari surpassed Red Bull, finishing second behind McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship. Now, the Briton might provide the extra push needed to return to victory.

In the surprising 2024 season, which began with another Red Bull dominance and ended with McLaren celebrations, Ferrari came just 14 points shy of their orange-clad competitors. As for the Drivers’ Championship, Charles Leclerc finished third, while Carlos Sainz placed fifth, securing five wins between them.

Lewis Hamilton’s arrival in 2025 raises the stakes for Ferrari, which has not won a Drivers’ Championship since 2007, when Kimi Raikkonen claimed the title. “I’m a big fan of Lewis. I love him, I love what he does for the sport and what he does outside of it,” said Rob Smedley, a former Ferrari engineer during the team’s golden era, on the *Red Flags* podcast.

“I’m so happy he’s going to Ferrari; I think it’s the right move. It’s strange for all of us when a driver of that caliber changes teams after so much success with another. But you’ll get over it quickly. In the first two months of the season, he’ll be a Ferrari driver, and it’ll feel like he always has been.” – the former Ferrari team member pointed out – “It’s good for the sport. There’s nothing negative, no downside. If he manages to win his eighth championship as a Ferrari driver, it would be a fairytale. Lewis will take the team to the next level, making it a consistent contender. I see no negatives, only positives. I’m glad Lewis made this decision.” – he added.

Lewis Hamilton will team up with Charles Leclerc in an exciting duo. The Briton will test the SF-75, the 2022 car, for the first time on January 22, weather permitting. However, the seven-time world champion is expected to arrive in Maranello as early as January 20, with his first simulator session reportedly scheduled for that day.

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Rob Smedley, famous for his memorable radio messages to Felipe Massa during his years at Ferrari, believes that Formula 1 track engineers need to stop using vague language. During a time when radio communications were a novelty for F1 fans, Rob Smedley stood out with iconic instructions such as “Felipe, baby, stay cool” during the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix. The following year, he delivered one of the most discussed phrases in recent history, “Fernando is faster than you,” ordering Felipe Massa to let Fernando Alonso pass at the German Grand Prix.

Although today race engineers no longer need to use codes or subtleties, Rob Smedley believes that many continue to avoid giving direct instructions to drivers, thus slowing down the decision-making process.

“Too much caution”: The communication problem
“In Formula 1, there is too much caution at the moment,” Smedley said in an interview with The Red Flags. “Tell them what you need to tell them without beating around the bush!” he added firmly, emphasizing that an uncertain attitude transmits weakness to the drivers. In his view, one should never convey insecurity or indecision, especially in a high-pressure environment like Formula 1.

“When my boss gives me an instruction, I follow it. That’s how the world works. We can’t let doubts or insecurities destabilize such a complex system.” Smedley believes it is crucial to establish clear rules for how engineers and drivers interact: “Radio communications must be direct, without fear of offending or hurting feelings.”

According to Rob Smedley, one of the main problems with today’s engineers is the fear of making unpopular decisions. “At the end of every race, there will always be only one happy driver.” Trying to please everyone, according to him, inevitably worsens situations.

Gianpiero Lambiase and Max Verstappen: an example to follow
Smedley praised Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s track engineer, calling him a role model for communication in Formula 1. “The relationship between Max and GP is exceptional. Lambiase tells him things as they are, and Verstappen responds without hesitation.”

One aspect that Smedley particularly appreciates is Lambiase’s ability to call the driver out when necessary. “Sometimes drivers act like sociopaths and forget how hard the team works for them. Gianpiero Lambiase asked Max to apologize to the guys in the garage, and I did the same during my career. Their communication reflects their relationship. When there’s mutual trust, you can speak to each other without unnecessary formalities.”

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Former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley has spoken highly of current team principal Fred Vasseur, describing him as one of the select few individuals he would consider working with in the Formula 1 paddock today.

Smedley stepped away from the team-focused side of Formula 1 in 2019 following a tenure at Williams, where he served as head of vehicle performance. Since then, he has transitioned into roles centered on data analysis within Formula 1 itself and co-founded a karting league, aiming to foster the next generation of motorsport talent. Despite this career shift, Smedley revealed that he continues to receive job offers from within the F1 paddock.

Ex-Ferrari Engineer Praises Vasseur’s Leadership Style
Rob Smedley, who worked as Felipe Massa’s race engineer during his time at Ferrari, expressed that he was “absolutely certain” about his decision to leave the team side of the sport after departing Williams. His subsequent focus has been on initiatives aimed at supporting young drivers, including his current role as CEO of the F.A.T Karting League. The league is designed to make grassroots motorsport more inclusive and accessible, providing budding racers with a clearer pathway into professional motorsport.

While Rob Smedley refrained from disclosing details about the offers he continues to receive from the paddock, he commented on Ferrari’s progress under Fred Vasseur’s guidance. Reflecting on his interactions with the French manager away from the racetrack, Smedley highlighted the Ferrari team principal’s leadership qualities, emphasizing that his approach to team management makes him one of the rare individuals Rob Smedley would consider collaborating with in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.

On the *Red Flags* podcast, Rob Smedley expressed his admiration for Fred Vasseur, stating that he held a great deal of respect for him and the work he is doing. Smedley explained that, despite having moved away from team-side roles, he still receives offers from Formula 1 teams and uses a personal metric to evaluate them: whether he would want to work for the team in question. He noted that Fred Vasseur is someone he would choose to work with, attributing this to both their social rapport and his belief that they would collaborate effectively in a professional setting.

The British automotive engineer who works for the Formula One Group praised the French manager’s intelligence and disarming nature, describing these traits as crucial for a leader operating in the high-pressure world of Formula 1. He emphasized that successful individuals in the sport are already under immense pressure and do not need additional stress imposed by their leaders. According to Rob Smedley, Frederic Vasseur excels at shielding his team from unnecessary pressure, taking responsibility when needed, and fostering a supportive environment.

He went on to highlight Frederic Vasseur’s ability to balance accountability with empathy, pointing out that his actions back up his words in how he manages people. Rob Smedley also remarked on Fred Vasseur’s deep understanding of what it takes to build a successful Formula 1 team, a quality he implied is not universally shared among team principals. In his view, the Ferrari team boss stands out as one of the rare leaders who truly grasps the intricacies of achieving success in the sport.

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Rob Smedley’s impression
Once again, the general opinion is divided between those who fear tensions between the Monegasque and the Briton, and others who instead see the new Ferrari duo as an ideal pair of drivers for the team’s resurgence after losing the Constructors’ title to McLaren. This latter view is also shared by Rob Smedley, who worked at Ferrari from 2004 to 2013.

Former track engineer for Felipe Massa, the Briton gave his opinion on what the coexistence between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton might be like, which, at first glance, reminds him of another relationship he witnessed directly during his time at Maranello: “It’s a completely different situation, but it’s like Massa in 2006 against Michael Schumacher,” he said on the podcast Formula for Success. “Felipe was the apprentice, and it was good that he was beaten by Michael, but towards the end of the year, he beat him in qualifying and even in some races.”

The potential advantages
A lineup that, according to Rob Smedley, will only bring advantages to the team: “We have a seven-time world champion, a young guy who can learn from him and eventually become a champion himself,” he clarified. “Charles will have an edge because he’ll be in a situation where he’ll experience a dynamic very different from what he lived, for example, with Carlos Sainz. They were two peers, both at a similar stage in their careers.”

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Former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley recently shared his thoughts on the Maranello team’s performance in the 2024 Formula 1 championship during the Formula For Success podcast.

Rob Smedley’s comments

Here’s what the British engineer had to say: “I don’t want to criticize Ferrari too harshly because I have a deep passion for the team and I really like Fred [Vasseur], but they’ve been somewhat mediocre compared to what I expected.” – added the British automotive engineer who currently works for the Formula One Group.

“At the start of the season, I thought they were on a stronger growth path, but I’d love to see them achieve truly great things. The encouraging aspect is that they’re operating in a more structured way. Looking back a few years, we have to be honest – they were really struggling on the track. They were making tons of mistakes like a lower-tier team.” – he pointed out.

“Under Fred Vasseur’s leadership, and with the ‘rebuilding’ that’s currently in progress, they are doing better in this regard, although they still appear to be somewhat inconsistent,” Rob Smedley concluded.

What do you think? Do you agree with the former Ferrari engineer? Let us know in the comments.

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The deal of the year is about to become a sweet reality for Ferrari fans. After the surprising announcement earlier this season, Lewis Hamilton is about to end his journey with Mercedes to join the Prancing Horse. A career move as colossal as it was unimaginable, although this union has been a long-standing dream for both parties.

Within circles close to the team, a long and tedious debate quickly arose: will the signing of #44 really bring something good to Ferrari, or is it just marketing? An endless chapter that will only be resolved with the first real test on track at next season’s Melbourne Grand Prix. In the meantime, however, a former Ferrari member has described Hamilton as a “catalyst.”

Rob Smedley confident: “Hamilton at Ferrari will walk on water”
Former long-time race engineer for Felipe Massa at Scuderia Ferrari, with extensive Formula 1 experience, Rob Smedley did not hold back in his enthusiastic comments about Lewis Hamilton’s move to the Scuderia: “I’m very confident; I believe he’ll be a catalyst that will make great things happen,” he explained on the Formula For Success podcast. “I think the team will warmly welcome him.”

“Of course, Lewis also needs to do his part by embracing the team’s culture and not staying on the sidelines. If he manages that, he’ll be loved. Frankly, he’ll walk on water. The team will feel like they can increase their efforts by one or two percentage points because they’ll feel that confidence.” – the former Ferrari race engineer explained.

“He’s a seven-time world champion joining your team, who has chosen your team over the one where he’s spent, let’s say, his entire career, considering the engine supply, and he’s suddenly walking away from all of that to choose you. That gives you a huge injection of confidence. And if everyone works that extra percentage point or a bit smarter, then great things will happen.” – Rob Smedley concluded.

Source: f1ingenerale

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Ferrari last claimed the World Constructors’ Championship in 2008, with rivals Red Bull and Mercedes dominating the series since then.

However, the addition of Hamilton to the ranks could be a game-changer for a team which has has been starved of success for much too long.

The seven-time world champion will be a ‘must-watch’ driver next season, particularly for the millions of Scuderia Ferrari fans worldwide.

They will be eager to follow Hamilton’s progress and can watch F1 TV Pro from anywhere with the help of a reliable VPN set-up on their digital device.

Smedley understands the passion generated by Ferrari having previously worked for the team. He believes the sky is the limit if Hamilton settles into life with the Italian outfit.

“Lewis has definitely got to play his part in endearing himself and embracing the culture of the team and not being on the periphery of that,” Smedley told the Formula for Success podcast.

“And if he can do that, they will love him. Honestly, he will walk on water. I think that the team will embrace him.

“If you go there with a bit of a reputation, like what Lewis has got for being able to deliver, the team will get around him.”

Hamilton’s track record of success in F1 makes him an intriguing proposition for a team which has been overshadowed by Red Bull and Mercedes in recent years.

Current drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr have done a solid job with Ferrari, but they lack the British star’s title-winning know-how.

Hamilton will likely be reinvigorated by switching his allegiance in F1 having been with the works Mercedes team since the 2013 season.

He knows team principal Frederic Vasseur well from his junior days, which should help him enjoy a smooth transition into life in the Ferrari set-up.

Hamilton will be working with a new race engineer with the Italian team after Peter Bonnington accepted a promotion to become head of race engineering with Mercedes.

The British star’s management team and personal trainers will maintain their existing relationships with him, which Smedley believes is the right way to go about things.

He says that drivers should avoid taking an entourage with them if they switch teams as those individuals may struggle to make the transition to a different set-up.

Smedley thinks a link-up with a different race engineer could reinvigorate both sides of the equation, thus generating a win-win situation for Ferrari and Hamilton.

He insists that Hamilton’s move will be hugely beneficial to the Italian team and will help them to eke the improvements they need to rule the world again.

“They’ll just be able to raise their game by another one or two percent because they’ll feel that confidence,” Smedley added.

“This is a seven-time world champion coming into your team, having chosen your team over effectively a team he’s been at for, let’s call it all of his life, if you take the engine part of it.

“Suddenly he’s walking away from all of that and all of that legacy, and he’s choosing you guys. So that gives you a massive boost of confidence. If everybody works that half or one percent harder or smarter, then great things can happen.”

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That same weekend saw Lando Norris claim his maiden Formula 1 victory, marking a pivotal moment for the team. Since then, McLaren has consistently been the top-scoring team on the grid, thanks in part to strategic changes led by team principal Andrea Stella.

Former Formula 1 engineer Rob Smedley, who was Felipe Massa’s race engineer at the Maranello team, speaking on the *Formula for Success* podcast, credited much of McLaren’s recent form to Stella’s leadership. Rob Smedley, who also worked alongside Andrea Stella during their time at the Italian side, praised the impact his restructuring has had, though he also expressed some skepticism over how quickly McLaren has risen to the top.

Rob Smedley believes that Andrea Stella has “unlocked” the team’s potential, but still finds McLaren’s rapid ascent remarkable.

“I don’t think the previous management misstepped that badly, but if you take the current management with Zak and Andrea Stella, my ex-colleague from Ferrari, they have made some sensible decisions but it seems to have unlocked this magic,” – the former Ferrari team member pointed out – “How on Earth they have gone from being three or four-tenths behind at the start of the season to be 20 seconds in front, how do you have that swing on the incumbent world champions? That for me is the enigma bit, how they have done it that fast.” – the British automotive engineer who works for the Formula One Group added.

McLaren’s resurgence in performance has come at a time when Red Bull has experienced a noticeable decline, which they attribute to a floor upgrade introduced as early as the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix.

Red Bull’s engineers are now focused on analyzing data from the last two races in an effort to identify and resolve the issue, hoping to regain momentum in their championship defense.

Helmut Marko remains optimistic that Red Bull can recover lost performance after the extended break between the Singapore and U.S. Grands Prix. However, team principal Christian Horner recently warned that any forthcoming updates might not yield the expected results.

As the 2024 Formula 1 campaign approaches its final stretch, a thrilling showdown is on the horizon. Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are poised to battle for the drivers’ title, with Ferrari and Mercedes also emerging as contenders for race wins and the Maranello team also hoping to be able to finish second in the 2024 Constructor Standings.

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Lewis Hamilton is set to face Charles Leclerc in one of the most anticipated teammate matchups in recent Formula 1 history. The Monegasque driver has been aware since winter that he would be joining forces with the seven-time Formula 1 world champion in 2025.

Lewis Hamilton has already gone head-to-head with several iconic drivers throughout his career, such as Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, and Nico Rosberg. However, some argue that Leclerc’s raw speed might outshine them all.

With 26 pole positions to his name, Leclerc trails Rosberg by just four, despite never enjoying the advantage of a dominant car like the one Rosberg had at Mercedes for three seasons. Esteban Ocon has remarked that, apart from Max Verstappen, no one rivals Charles Leclerc’s natural talent.

Charles Leclerc’s blistering pace in qualifying could present a challenge for Lewis Hamilton, who struggled in one-lap performance throughout 2024, losing the qualifying battle to George Russell with seven races still remaining. While Hamilton has had trouble getting his tyres up to temperature, some argue that this issue doesn’t necessarily reflect a loss of outright speed. On the other hand, Charles Leclerc’s ability to manage his tyres in qualifying has become one of his defining strengths.

Still, Charles Leclerc’s critics often point to his perceived lack of ruthlessness, a trait Lewis Hamilton—now a seasoned veteran with over 350 races—may exploit. One pundit even suggested that Charles Leclerc is “too nice” to withstand the fierce competition that awaits between the two drivers.

Rob Smedley, who served as Felipe Massa’s race engineer at Ferrari during the intense Hamilton-Massa rivalry of the late 2000s, weighed in on the potential Lewis Hamilton – Charles Leclerc dynamic.

The British driver burst onto the scene in 2007 with McLaren, immediately competing for the title and narrowly missing out to Kimi Raikkonen. The following year, he famously snatched the championship from Massa in a dramatic final lap in the Brazilian Grand Prix at the Interlagos circuit.

Discussing the upcoming challenge on the “Formula For Success” podcast, Rob Smedley acknowledged that while Lewis Hamilton won’t underestimate Charles Leclerc, the 105-time Grand Prix winner is still mentally and physically capable of prevailing over his new teammate. Though Lewis Hamilton’s peak might eventually decline, Rob Smedley believes he remains in a strong enough position to beat Charles Leclerc and secure an unprecedented eighth world championship.

The former Ferrari engineer explained: “I think that Lewis is a true professional. I think he knows how good Charles is. But he will also back himself to beat him over 24 races.” – he pointed out.

When questioned by Eddie Jordan if he would d do so, Rob Smedley continued: “I think he will. I think he will. I think there’ll come a point when he won’t be able to do that anymore. But it’s certainly not now. I mean the guy’s so fit. He’s so mentally strong.”

In just six races, Lewis Hamilton will part ways with the Brackley-based Mercedes team, marking the end of an era. Having claimed 84 victories with the team over the past 11 years, his farewell in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit is sure to be an emotional one.

At the same time, Lewis Hamilton’s attention is gradually turning toward his next chapter with Scuderia Ferrari. The British driver is reportedly already learning Italian, following a path similar to Michael Schumacher’s when he made his legendary move to Maranello and cemented his place in the sport’s history.

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