Nico Rosberg Declares Lewis Hamilton Left Clueless over Ferrari’s ‘Italy’ Problem

Nico Rosberg hinted that Ferrari's Italian culture might be playing a role in Lewis Hamilton's recent struggles.

Nico Rosberg Declares Lewis Hamilton Left Clueless over Ferrari’s ‘Italy’ Problem

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc (via Getty), Nico Rosberg (via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton fulfilled his dream when he joined Scuderia Ferrari earlier this year. The seven-time world champion hoped to bring glory back to Maranello as early as the current season. Unfortunately, reality has been far different for the 40-year-old amid continuous struggles within the team. Now, former F1 champion Nico Rosberg has hinted at a potential reason behind Hamilton’s struggles.

Since the start of his debut campaign at Maranello, Lewis Hamilton has suffered from problems. The F1 star has not even come close to fighting at the front of the field except for a sprint win in China. The seven-time world champion remained tight-lipped over the situation within the team after the Canadian GP.

Most F1 teams are based completely in the UK, with Ferrari being one of the exceptions. The Prancing Horse has remained at Maranello since its inception. However, Nico Rosberg believes that this is taking a toll on the team’s performance. He claimed that being in Italy had become a disadvantage for Ferrari. Rosberg reckoned that while at Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton could go and talk to Toto Wolff over any issues, the Briton had no clarity at the Scuderia. This made things even more frustrating for the seven-time world champion.

I have seen a little of things within Ferrari, and it is seen that the level of excellence they have achieved is not comparable to that of the British teams, and especially that of a team like Mercedes, in many areas. The fact that it is in Italy makes everything much more difficult. In Mercedes, every time Lewis had a problem he immediately went to Toto Wolff, who he would decide immediately.  In Ferrari, however, many decide and even Lewis does not know what to do. It’s all a little ‘difficult.’

Nico Rosberg told Sky F1

Nico Rosberg hints Ferrari to open branch in UK

While Scuderia Ferrari has remained at Maranello for decades, the Italian team understands that it might need a stronger foothold in the UK. The entire sport basically runs from Britain, with most of the talent pool based there as well. A satellite base in the country could allow Ferrari to better tap into top racing talent.

Fred Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton and Benedeto Vigna (via @lewishamilton/Instagram)
Fred Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton and Benedeto Vigna (via @lewishamilton/Instagram)

Nico Rosberg claimed that he had heard about the Scuderia potentially opening a branch in the UK. The German claimed that this could potentially create a new communication problem within the team, as the office would need to be in constant touch with Maranello. At least, such an office would be quite close by for Lewis Hamilton.

I heard an indiscretion about Ferrari who is considering opening a branch in the UK, because that is the motorsport valley. The problem would be the right communication. This base has to communicate excellently with headquarters, and perhaps this is not possible.

Nico Rosberg added

As per Nico Rosberg, Ferrari is stuck in a vicious cycle. The team does not have the most efficient systems in Italy, and opening a base in the UK might only open another pandora’s box. However, Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari must already be trying to find ways to bounce back amid their dismal campaign. The seven-time world champion would be working tirelessly to find solutions with his team to riddle out various issues.

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