Breaking news: Hamilton’s Ferrari Move ‘Last Chance’ at World Title, Says Former….readmore
Lewis Hamilton given ‘last chance’ at Ferrari says former boss
Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo believes Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari represents the seven-time world champion’s final opportunity to win another Formula 1 title. Speaking during a rare appearance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, the 77-year-old reflected on both Hamilton’s career and Ferrari’s current state, offering a mix of support and criticism.
Di Montezemolo, who was instrumental in Ferrari’s dominance during the early 2000s, did not shy away from addressing the challenges the Italian team has faced in recent seasons. He lamented what he sees as a lack of strong leadership and a missing sense of “soul” within the team, which he suggests is holding them back from competing at the highest level.
Turning his attention to Hamilton, Di Montezemolo described the British driver’s upcoming switch to Ferrari in 2025 as a crucial and possibly final chapter in his illustrious career. “This is his last chance to fight for a championship,” he remarked, highlighting that at 39 years old, Hamilton’s window to add an eighth world title is narrowing.
Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari shocked the motorsport world earlier this year. Many see it as both a bold personal challenge and a high-stakes bet on Ferrari’s ability to provide him with a race-winning car. Despite Ferrari’s struggles in recent seasons, Hamilton remains hopeful that the iconic team can return to glory—something Di Montezemolo himself would love to see, though he remains cautiously skeptical.
In addition to his thoughts on Hamilton, Di Montezemolo also touched on the future of Italian talent in Formula 1. He expressed enthusiasm for young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli, who is currently rising through the junior ranks under Mercedes’ development program. However, Di Montezemolo suggested that Antonelli should have joined Sauber—a team often seen as a stepping stone to Ferrari—before potentially making the leap to the Scuderia. “It would have been a more natural progression,” he noted, implying that Ferrari may have missed an opportunity to secure a home-grown star.
While Di Montezemolo no longer holds an official role in the sport, his comments carry weight due to his legacy and deep ties to Ferrari’s golden years. His outlook paints Hamilton’s Ferrari move as a defining moment—not just for the driver, but for the team itself.