Horner hailed as ‘Hamilton wants changes’ – Italian media’s behind-the-scenes…Read more

Just In: Horner hailed as ‘Hamilton wants changes’ – Italian media’s behind-the-scenes Ferrari exposé

Ferrari’s difficult 2026 Formula 1 campaign has taken another dramatic turn, with fresh reports from the Italian media examining the team’s internal situation and questioning whether significant changes could eventually be required at Maranello.

The latest reports have placed particular attention on Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, the structure of the organisation and the growing pressure surrounding the Scuderia after a season that has failed to deliver the results many expected. At the same time, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has emerged in speculation surrounding Ferrari’s future leadership, although there is no confirmation that the Italian team is preparing to appoint him.

The discussion has intensified following Ferrari’s disappointing run of results, including its home Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Ferrari arrived at Monza with significant expectations but left the weekend trailing Mercedes by a considerable margin in the constructors’ championship.

Italian reporting has subsequently focused heavily on the direction of the team and whether Ferrari’s current leadership structure is capable of delivering the long-term turnaround required. Some reports have mentioned Horner as a possible alternative, adding another layer to an already complicated situation around Vasseur’s position.

Horner’s name naturally attracts attention because of his long association with Red Bull and the transformation of that organisation into one of Formula 1’s dominant teams. During his tenure, Red Bull won multiple constructors’ and drivers’ championships and established itself as a consistent front-running operation.

However, the current speculation should be treated carefully. Reports linking Horner with Ferrari do not amount to confirmation of negotiations or an agreement. Italian media discussions have identified him as a potential figure in a hypothetical leadership change, while other names have also been mentioned.

For Ferrari, the immediate focus remains its current operation and the performance of its 2026 car. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have both experienced difficult moments during the campaign despite Ferrari showing flashes of competitive pace.

Hamilton’s frustrations have become particularly relevant to the wider discussion. Following his clash with Leclerc at Monza, the seven-time world champion acknowledged that Ferrari does not currently have formal written rules of engagement governing how its two drivers should race one another.

Hamilton had previously indicated that clearer guidelines could help prevent similar incidents. Leclerc subsequently accepted responsibility for the Monza incident, and both drivers discussed the matter privately before moving forward. Despite resolving the immediate tension, Hamilton confirmed that Ferrari had not introduced a formal written agreement between the two drivers.

The situation highlights a broader challenge facing Ferrari. Managing two highly competitive drivers requires not only a fast car but also clear communication, strategic discipline and consistency from the pit wall.

Hamilton has also made it clear that improvements inside Ferrari will take time. His comments have not amounted to a public demand for a leadership overhaul, but they have underlined the importance of improving the team’s procedures and operational approach.

Those comments have become particularly significant after Hamilton’s Spanish Grand Prix ended prematurely. The Ferrari driver retired after only seven laps because of a brake problem, effectively ending his already difficult championship challenge. Ferrari subsequently confirmed that it would conduct a thorough investigation into the failure.

The latest Italian media reports therefore arrive at a sensitive moment for the Scuderia. Ferrari is not simply dealing with one isolated problem; it is attempting to improve its competitive performance while managing expectations surrounding two world-class drivers and questions about the team’s internal processes.

Horner’s emergence in the conversation adds another intriguing dimension. His experience building a championship-winning organisation makes him an obvious name whenever major teams are discussed in the context of leadership, but there is currently no confirmed Ferrari appointment involving the former Red Bull boss.

For now, Vasseur remains Ferrari’s team principal and the team must concentrate on extracting the maximum from the remaining races of the season.

Ferrari’s immediate challenge is therefore straightforward: turn its promising moments into consistent performance, reduce operational errors and ensure that Hamilton and Leclerc have the support required to compete effectively.

With the 2026 title race already moving away from Ferrari, attention is increasingly shifting toward what the team can learn from its problems and how those lessons will shape its future.

The speculation surrounding Horner and the reports about Hamilton wanting changes have added intrigue to the situation, but the coming races and Ferrari’s eventual decisions will provide the clearest indication of whether the Scuderia is heading toward continuity or a significant change in direction.