Lewis Hamilton HUMBLED as team boss declares harsh Ferrari…read more
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career by joining Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season. This move marks the end of his 12-year tenure with Mercedes, during which he secured six of his seven titles. Hamilton’s decision to switch teams at the age of 40 has been met with both anticipation and skepticism within the motorsport community.
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari was officially announced on February 1, 2024, with the team confirming a multi-year contract. Expressing his enthusiasm, Hamilton stated that driving for Ferrari had always been a “childhood dream” and emphasized the “huge challenge” of bringing championship glory to a team that had not secured a title in nearly two decades.
However, not all reactions have been positive. Former Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone has expressed doubts about Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. Ecclestone, 94, questioned Hamilton’s motivation and suggested that his age might hinder his performance. He predicted that Hamilton would not stay with Ferrari for more than two years and criticized his off-track interests, implying they could detract from his focus as a driver.
In contrast, McLaren driver Lando Norris has shown support for Hamilton’s decision. Norris, entering his seventh year in Formula 1, expressed his eagerness to compete against Hamilton and found the move logical and inspiring. He acknowledged that if he were in Hamilton’s position, he might have made a similar choice.
Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, has also weighed in on the discussion. When asked if the team could win the title in 2025 with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as drivers, Vasseur confidently responded affirmatively, stating that the team is moving in the right direction after securing third and second places in the constructors’ standings in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
As Hamilton prepares for the upcoming season, he has been actively involved in testing and familiarizing himself with Ferrari’s operations. He recently participated in simulator sessions and met with engineers at Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello. Demonstrating his commitment to integrating into the team, Hamilton delivered his first speech as a Ferrari driver in Italian, stating, “It has always been my dream to be here.”
The 2025 Formula 1 season is highly anticipated, with multiple teams and drivers poised to challenge for the championship titles. McLaren, in particular, had a stellar performance in 2024, clinching the constructors’ championship by a narrow margin of 11 points over Ferrari. This success was largely attributed to the impressive performances of drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is seen as a strategic attempt to surpass Michael Schumacher’s record and claim an unprecedented eighth drivers’ title before concluding his career. Drawing parallels to Schumacher, who also transitioned to Ferrari and played a pivotal role in transforming the team’s fortunes, there is optimism that Hamilton’s experience and feedback can similarly elevate Ferrari’s performance. Former driver Johnny Herbert expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to inspire the team, emphasizing the importance of his motivational mindset and connection with fans.
As the season approaches, Hamilton has urged everyone to “embrace” change and opportunity in Formula 1. His message reflects a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and seizing new opportunities.
The 2025 season is set to commence with the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne’s Albert Park from March 14-16, marking Hamilton’s debut race with Ferrari. Fans and analysts alike are keen to see how this new partnership unfolds and whether Hamilton can achieve his goal of an eighth championship with the iconic Italian team.
In summary, Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari represents a significant shift in the Formula 1 landscape. While it brings the promise of new opportunities and the potential for historic achievements, it also comes with challenges and uncertainties. As the 2025 season unfolds, the motorsport world will be closely watching to see how this new chapter in Hamilton’s career develops.
