Lewis Hamilton ‘has a lot of enemies at Ferrari’ and…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula One season has been met with both anticipation and skepticism. After a remarkable 12-year tenure with Mercedes, during which he secured six of his seven Drivers’ Championship titles, Hamilton’s move to the iconic Italian team marks a significant shift in his illustrious career.
Former Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has expressed reservations about Hamilton’s decision, suggesting that the British driver may face challenges integrating into Ferrari’s unique culture. Ecclestone highlighted the team’s strong rapport with Charles Leclerc, who is fluent in Italian and has established himself as a favorite within the team. He remarked, “I don’t think Lewis will get the same attention at Ferrari. Firstly, the team are happy with Charles Leclerc, his team-mate. Leclerc speaks their language [he’s fluent in Italian], so they’ll be looking after him.” Ecclestone further cautioned that even if Hamilton performs well, he might encounter internal resistance due to his newcomer status, stating, “Even if Lewis does well, there’ll still be a lot of enemies, because he has suddenly arrived.”
In preparation for his new role, Hamilton has been learning Italian to better communicate with his team and immerse himself in the culture. This effort underscores his commitment to integrating seamlessly into Ferrari’s environment.
Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari was marked by a sophisticated presentation at the team’s test track in February 2025. Donning a tailored Ferragamo suit and the iconic red race suit, Hamilton’s appearance signaled a new chapter in his career. This polished introduction stood in contrast to an earlier, more awkward promotional event in 2008, where Hamilton descended from a zip wire dressed as Apollo during a McLaren event. Despite such past missteps, Hamilton’s focus has remained steadfastly on racing, leading to his immense success in the sport.
The dynamics between Hamilton and Leclerc will be closely watched. Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, has solidified his position within the team and is known for his strong performances and deep connection with the Italian squad. Ecclestone emphasized the potential challenges Hamilton might face, noting, “Firstly, the team are happy with Charles Leclerc, his team-mate. Leclerc speaks their language [he’s fluent in Italian], so they’ll be looking after him.”
Ecclestone also touched upon the broader implications of Hamilton’s move, suggesting that it might have been driven by ego on Ferrari’s part. He described the pursuit of Hamilton as “a bit of an ego thing,” questioning the strategic value of the move.
As Hamilton embarks on this new journey with Ferrari, the Formula One community remains divided. Some view the move as a bold attempt to rejuvenate his career and tackle new challenges, while others, like Ecclestone, are skeptical about the potential for success given the internal dynamics and cultural differences. Hamilton’s ability to adapt and integrate will be crucial as he aims to add to his legacy with the Prancing Horse.
In summary, while Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is one of the most significant shifts in recent Formula One history, it comes with its set of challenges. His efforts to learn Italian and present himself in a manner befitting Ferrari’s storied legacy indicate his dedication to making this partnership work. However, as Ecclestone’s comments suggest, the road ahead may be fraught with internal team dynamics and cultural adjustments that Hamilton will need to navigate carefully.
