Lewis Hamilton backed for Sebastian Vettel phone call over Ferrari problem

Former Ferrari mechanic Francesco Cigarini has backed Lewis Hamilton to call Sebastian Vettel, to avoid suffering a similar fate to the German at Ferrari. 

Vettel joined Ferrari from Red Bull in 2015 with the goal of securing a fifth F1 drivers' title, and initially led the Maranello-based outfit with Kimi Raikkonen alongside him. 

However, when Charles Leclerc replaced the 2007 champion from the 2019 campaign, Vettel's performances worsened. 

In the end, Vettel left Ferrari for Aston Martin at the end of 2020, before retiring at the end of 2022. 

According to Cigarini, the four-time world champion struggled to adjust to how Leclerc liked a car setup, with him believing Hamilton is suffering from a similar issue. 

Since joining the Scuderia, Hamilton has complained of rear instability, something the team did not address until Austria. 

He has continued to struggle with the rear handling of the SF-25, whilst Leclerc has been able to compete for the front of the grid in qualifying and podiums. 

"Leclerc prefers a very sharply tuned car, with the rear end being very free and requiring a lot of feeling," explained Cigarini to Sky Sports Italia, as quoted by F1-Insider.

"When Vettel tried to copy that setup, he ended up looking like a novice. I think that's exactly what's happening with Hamilton now."

In 14 grands prix for Ferrari, Hamilton has finished no higher than fourth, whilst Leclerc has five podiums to his name for 2025. 

Time is quickly running out for the seven-time world champion to save his season, with Cigarini expecting Hamilton to call Vettel for advice. 

"I wouldn’t be surprised if Hamilton calls Vettel to try to wriggle out of this," added Cigarini.