Lewis Hamilton Causes Stir as He Unfollows Ferrari on Instagram Ahead of First Home Race

In a move that has set the Formula 1 world ablaze with speculation, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has unfollowed Scuderia Ferrari’s official Instagram account—just weeks before his much-anticipated debut for the team on home soil at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola. The unexpected social media gesture, seemingly minor on the surface, has sparked a flurry of rumors, fan outrage, and confusion ahead of what was supposed to be a celebratory moment in Hamilton’s legendary career.

Social Media Sleuths Spot the Move

The drama unfolded late Monday evening when eagle-eyed fans noticed that Hamilton’s official Instagram account no longer followed Ferrari. Screenshots began circulating rapidly on Twitter and Reddit, with hashtags like #HamiltonUnfollowsFerrari and #FerrariDrama trending globally within hours. Given the high-stakes nature of Hamilton’s sensational switch from Mercedes to Ferrari at the start of the 2025 season, the move has raised eyebrows across the F1 paddock.

Hamilton, who has long been known for his carefully curated public image and emotional openness online, has not issued a formal statement about the social media decision. The silence has only fueled speculation that there may be underlying tension behind the scenes in Maranello.

Timing Raises Eyebrows

What makes the situation more perplexing is the timing. This coming weekend marks Hamilton’s first race on Italian soil as a Ferrari driver—a symbolic homecoming for both the team and the Tifosi, who had eagerly anticipated welcoming the British driver to their ranks. The Imola Grand Prix was supposed to be a celebration of Hamilton’s arrival and Ferrari’s resurgence in the 2025 season. Instead, it now comes shrouded in whispers of internal discord.

Team insiders, speaking on condition of anonymity, told F1 Newsroom that “there have been some disagreements behind closed doors,” particularly over recent strategic decisions and Hamilton’s growing frustration with the car’s performance relative to Red Bull and McLaren. Ferrari currently sits third in the Constructors’ Championship, while Hamilton has yet to secure a win this season—a stark contrast to expectations when he announced his dramatic departure from Mercedes.

Fans React with Shock and Concern

Ferrari fans have taken to social media to express a mix of confusion, disappointment, and outright anger. Many feel blindsided by the gesture, interpreting it as a sign of discontent or even disrespect toward the team and its legacy.

“Lewis knew what he was getting into. If he’s not happy, fine—but unfollowing the team before Imola? That’s petty,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).

Others, however, have rushed to Hamilton’s defense, suggesting that the move might be more personal or symbolic—possibly tied to his mental health practices or a desire to limit social media noise ahead of a critical race.

Ferrari’s Response—or Lack Thereof

Ferrari has so far declined to comment publicly on the situation, with Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur brushing off questions during a brief media appearance in Bologna this morning. “We are focused on the race ahead,” Vasseur said curtly. “The rest is noise.”

Still, multiple sources indicate that discussions have taken place internally over the optics of the incident and whether Hamilton’s action could signal deeper issues in the team-driver relationship.

A PR Crisis or a Personal Decision?

Motivations aside, this isn’t the first time Hamilton’s social media activity has ignited controversy. In past seasons, he has unfollowed F1 accounts, deleted all of his posts, and even blacked out his profiles during periods of personal struggle or to make statements on social issues. Analysts caution against reading too much into a single Instagram action—but in a sport where politics, perception, and public image carry as much weight as performance, such moves are rarely inconsequential.

PR experts suggest that Ferrari and Hamilton’s management may need to act quickly to clarify the situation or risk further distraction heading into one of the most emotionally charged races of the season.

All Eyes on Imola

As the F1 circus rolls into Imola for what should have been a historic and unifying weekend, the spotlight on Hamilton will be more intense than ever. With questions swirling about his relationship with the team, his future beyond Ferrari, and his psychological state heading into a crucial mid-season stretch, Hamilton faces a new kind of pressure—one that no amount of tire grip or DRS zones can alleviate.

Whether the Instagram unfollow is a storm in a teacup or the first crack in an already strained partnership remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the world will be watching every move, every lap, and perhaps even every follow-back.