Seven-time Components 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is formally a Ferrari driver. As of January 1, 2025, this long-anticipated transfer has grow to be actuality.
The union between essentially the most profitable driver in Components 1 historical past, measured by race wins, and the game’s most legendary crew has despatched waves of pleasure by means of the F1 neighborhood. Ferrari and the British driver becoming a member of forces units the stage for what could possibly be probably the most thrilling and extremely anticipated seasons in current reminiscence.
Nevertheless, not everyone seems to be satisfied this partnership will yield success. Beneath the floor of the widespread buzz, doubts linger about Hamilton’s present kind.
The seven-time world champion is coming off essentially the most difficult season of his illustrious profession. For the primary time, Lewis Hamilton completed exterior the highest six within the Drivers’ Championship, ending the 2024 marketing campaign in seventh place. Whereas this place was reflective of Mercedes’ lackluster automobile efficiency, it’s his struggles in opposition to teammate George Russell which have sparked concern.
George Russell dominated Lewis Hamilton in qualifying, outperforming him 19-5—a Saturday deficit unprecedented in Hamilton’s profession. Such a efficiency has raised questions on whether or not the 39-year-old is on the decline or just struggling to adapt to the present era of F1 equipment.
Flavio Briatore Questions Ferrari’s Option to Signal Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari’s choice to herald Hamilton has additionally disrupted a steady and profitable driver line-up. The Scuderia, whereas nonetheless chasing their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008, got here nearer than ever final season. They completed simply 14 factors behind McLaren, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz delivering a mixed whole of 5 wins and a grid-high 22 podium finishes.
Regardless of this success, Ferrari opted to launch Carlos Sainz, who has now joined Williams, a crew that completed close to the again of the grid. Chatting with *Sport Bild*, through *sport.de*, former Renault crew boss and present Alpine crew principal Flavio Briatore expressed skepticism about Ferrari’s transfer. He argued that the Italian aspect already had a “prime” driver pairing and questioned the logic of disrupting their established system.
Nonetheless, the Italian supervisor acknowledged the potential upside of the daring choice. He admitted that Lewis Hamilton’s presence in Ferrari’s scarlet pink automobile is undeniably “good for Components 1” and urged the veteran driver could but show him flawed by reigniting Ferrari’s championship hopes.
Because the 2025 season approaches, all eyes shall be on Hamilton and Ferrari to see if this partnership can dwell as much as its monumental expectations—or if the skeptics shall be confirmed proper.
“It will likely be unusual to see Lewis within the Ferrari,” he stated. “In fact I respect such choices, however I additionally wonder if it is sensible. Ferrari had two prime drivers in Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. I don’t perceive why they cut up up this nice pairing. It’s not my job to evaluate, but when I had been ready of accountability at Ferrari, I wouldn’t have signed Lewis.” – the Italian identified.
“In precept, it’s good for Components 1 if Lewis drives for Ferrari. And all the things that’s good for Components 1 is sweet for me too. It’s definitely good for tv and the scores too. Let’s wait and see. Time will inform how properly he drives within the Ferrari.” – the Alpine crew boss continued.
Ferrari mechanics could already be warming to Lewis Hamilton after his gesture at Yas Marina.
Flavio Briatore, who led Benetton throughout Michael Schumacher’s first two championship wins in 1994 and 1995, and later managed Fernando Alonso, is well-versed in working with the game’s legends. Nevertheless, his current remarks questioning Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari could solely serve to ignite the seven-time world champion’s willpower as he prepares for his debut with the Scuderia on the Australian Grand Prix.
Hamilton is chasing historical past, aiming to grow to be the primary driver since Jack Brabham in 1966 to clinch a championship on the age of 40 or older. His arrival at Ferrari marks a brand new chapter for each the driving force and the crew, and his actions in Abu Dhabi supplied a glimpse into how he plans to combine along with his new environment.
Over the last spherical of the 2024 Components 1 marketing campaign, which was held on the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, Lewis Hamilton, nonetheless racing for Mercedes on the time, greeted Ferrari mechanics in Italian. The gesture, coupled along with his efforts to be taught the language, possible endeared him to his future colleagues. Such actions counsel the Briton is raring to immerse himself in Ferrari’s tradition, a transfer that might strengthen bonds throughout the crew as they put together for a pivotal 2025 season.
The seven-time Components 1 world champion’s contract with the Maranello crew is predicted to span two to 3 years, offering a restricted timeframe to safe the elusive eighth title that has evaded him since 2020. Whereas his rapid focus shall be on attaining this historic milestone, Ferrari is already seeking to the longer term. Rising star Oliver Bearman is broadly tipped as a possible successor to Lewis Hamilton, with many anticipating the younger Brit to affix the crew within the coming years.
For now, Lewis Hamilton’s time at Maranello presents a novel alternative to show himself within the iconic scarlet pink, whereas additionally laying the groundwork for Ferrari’s subsequent era of expertise.
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
