Rob Smedley on the Lewis Hamilton transformation at Ferrari

It is not often you see a driver completely shift the culture of a team like Ferrari, but according to Rob Smedley, that is exactly what Lewis Hamilton is doing. After a brutal 2025 campaign, Hamilton has found his footing, culminating in a brilliant victory in Barcelona. The team is clearly buzzing; Smedley, who spent a decade at Maranello, notes that his former colleagues are “literally over the moon” with the British driver.

Hamilton’s path to the top step wasn’t easy. Following a difficult start, the team shifted gears, “moving mountains” to provide a car that finally fits his style. Smedley points out that the sheer effort Hamilton pours into his craft is often misunderstood by the public, but those inside the garage see the reality of his dedication. It is this relentless drive that has the squad putting him on a pedestal, with whispers even starting to compare his potential trajectory to the legendary Michael Schumacher.

Looking ahead, Smedley believes we are witnessing a genuine shift in momentum. While team mate Charles Leclerc has faced a tougher stretch recently, the consensus is that Hamilton is currently corralling the team around him. Smedley expects a more balanced fight as the season progresses, but he is backing Lewis to keep finding more pace as he grows into his new home.