Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Challenge “Shouldn’t Be Underestimated,” Says F1 Insider
Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025 is undoubtedly one of the most significant moves in Formula 1 history. After spending 12 years with the Silver Arrows, the seven-time world champion is not just parting ways with a team that helped define his career but also stepping into an entirely new powertrain and operational environment.
Former Aston Martin strategist and current Sky Sports F1 pundit Bernie Collins has weighed in on Hamilton’s upcoming challenge. Speaking on The Red Flags podcast, she emphasized that his adaptation to Ferrari should not be overlooked, as it involves much more than just switching teams.
Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes’ Brackley-based squad to Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters will require an adjustment to an entirely different power unit—one that he has never raced with before. While much of the discussion surrounding his move has focused on emotional and strategic factors, Collins highlights that the technical shift could be one of the most significant hurdles he faces in his debut season with Ferrari.
A Different Power Unit to Master
Throughout his time at Mercedes, Hamilton benefited from the dominant hybrid power unit that revolutionized F1 in 2014. The German manufacturer’s V6 turbo-hybrid engine set the benchmark for performance and reliability, helping him secure six of his seven titles with the team.
Despite some early reliability issues—such as managing just 93 laps during pre-season testing in 2014—Mercedes quickly established itself as the leading power unit supplier in the sport. By 2020, the team was able to run 1,358 laps in testing, showcasing the evolution of their engine’s durability and efficiency.
Ferrari, meanwhile, remained competitive, particularly when Sebastian Vettel spearheaded their charge following the aerodynamic regulation changes in 2017. However, their power unit had its ups and downs, and some seasons proved more challenging than others. While Ferrari has consistently been among the top engine manufacturers, their approach to energy harvesting, deployment, and power management differs significantly from Mercedes’.
Collins pointed out that for Hamilton, even fundamental aspects of driving—such as energy recovery, deployment modes, and throttle response—will feel unfamiliar.
“I think it’s going to be a really interesting one to watch,” she said. “The challenge of Lewis stepping into a Ferrari shouldn’t be underestimated. He’s never driven a Ferrari engine before, so even simple things like how the engine works, how the modes work, how the harvesting and deployment functions—it’s all different.”
Adjusting to a New Cockpit and Team Culture
Beyond the power unit, Hamilton will also need to familiarize himself with Ferrari’s cockpit layout, particularly the steering wheel controls. Having spent over a decade at Mercedes, he instinctively knows where each button is and how to react to various settings during a race. Ferrari’s steering wheel will have different layouts and functionalities, requiring him to build new muscle memory.
“We hear different terminology on the radio,” Collins explained. “Where he instinctively pushes the buttons is going to be different. So I think there’s going to be big differences in the car that’s going to be a challenge for Lewis.”
Alongside the technical adjustments, Hamilton will also face a cultural shift. Ferrari operates differently from Mercedes, with a distinct approach to team strategy, decision-making, and internal processes. While Mercedes has built a reputation for methodical precision under Toto Wolff, Ferrari’s management style has historically been more fluid, sometimes leading to unpredictable strategic calls.
Collins believes that how Hamilton adapts to Ferrari’s unique environment—especially in high-pressure qualifying sessions and race-day strategy decisions—will be crucial to his success.
Hamilton Thrives Under Pressure
Despite the challenges ahead, Collins is confident that Hamilton will embrace the challenge and use it as motivation. Throughout his career, he has shown an ability to rise to difficult situations, often delivering his best performances when faced with adversity.
“He’s going to enjoy it, embrace it,” she said. “I think Lewis really embraces a challenge. He does his best work when he’s being pushed quite hard.”
One key area to watch will be his qualifying performances. With Ferrari’s recent struggles in translating one-lap pace into consistent race-day results, Hamilton’s ability to maximize the car’s potential in qualifying will be critical.
“But again, it’s going to be this big shift in culture,” Collins continued. “Ferrari operate quite differently, with different personnel and engineers. Can Lewis take the step in qualifying to make sure he’s there on race day to get the right decisions coming his way?”
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is already generating immense anticipation. While his talent and experience are undeniable, the technical and cultural changes ahead make this transition one of the most fascinating storylines in F1’s modern era. Whether he can conquer these challenges and bring Ferrari back to championship-winning form remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the journey will be thrilling to watch.
