Lewis Hamilton’s potential move to Ferrari has sparked a lot of speculation ahead of the 2025 Formula One season, with many wondering if the British racing icon can secure his eighth world title with the Scuderia. After a challenging 2024 season, which saw Hamilton secure just two Grand Prix wins despite struggles with his Mercedes car, the future of his F1 career is uncertain. However, there are those who still believe in Hamilton’s ability to perform at the highest level, even as he enters the later stages of his illustrious career.
Ernest Knoors, a former engineer who has worked at Ferrari and several other F1 teams, has weighed in on the situation. Knoors, who now works as an analyst for Viaplay, was present at a recent press event and spoke with GPblog about Hamilton’s potential in 2025. While Knoors acknowledged that Hamilton’s 2024 season with Mercedes was not ideal, he emphasized that one bad season should not be taken as an indicator of the driver’s current skill level. “Hamilton is not a pancake,” Knoors said, firmly stating that the British driver has not lost his talent. Despite the challenges Hamilton faced with Mercedes, including not being fully involved in car development after announcing his intention to leave, Knoors believes that Hamilton still has what it takes to succeed.
The former engineer pointed out that Hamilton’s situation in 2024 was far from ideal. “He knew for a year that he was going to leave,” Knoors explained, referring to the fact that Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes was set to expire, and his involvement in the team’s development efforts had diminished. “He is no longer included in all the meetings, has no more input for development,” Knoors continued. This, according to him, could have led to Hamilton being mentally disconnected from the team, which may have affected his performance. However, Knoors firmly believes that this situation should not be seen as a reflection of Hamilton’s current form or abilities. He emphasized that, in his opinion, Hamilton’s mental and physical capabilities remain intact.
Looking ahead to Hamilton’s potential at Ferrari, Knoors expressed hope that the British driver would find success with the Scuderia. “I hope he just has a good start at Ferrari and can really show his racing skills there,” he said. Hamilton’s talent as a driver is well-documented, with numerous world titles and race victories throughout his career. Even though he may be reaching the later stages of his F1 journey, Knoors remains confident that Hamilton can continue to deliver great performances, especially with the right environment and support from his new team.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Hamilton’s potential move to Ferrari is the prospect of him winning his eighth world title. The Scuderia has long been one of the most iconic and passionate teams in Formula 1, and their fanbase is known for its fervent devotion. For Ferrari fans, the idea of Hamilton bringing them another championship after decades of waiting would be a dream come true. Should Hamilton achieve this feat, Knoors believes it would cement his place in F1 history in a way that could make him an eternal hero to Ferrari fans. “And one thing is for sure, if Hamilton manages to win an eighth world title and after so much time another title for Ferrari, he will never have to pay for a pizza for the rest of his life,” Knoors remarked, referencing the deep admiration and loyalty that would likely follow such an achievement.
While Knoors remains optimistic about Hamilton’s prospects, he also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation. The Scuderia’s recent struggles with performance and development have cast doubt on their ability to challenge for the championship in the near future. However, the combination of Hamilton’s proven talent and Ferrari’s passionate fanbase makes this an intriguing storyline to follow as the 2025 season unfolds.
In summary, while Hamilton’s 2024 season with Mercedes may not have been perfect, many, including former Ferrari engineer Ernest Knoors, believe that the British driver still has the potential to add an eighth world title to his resume. If he were to achieve such a feat with Ferrari, it would be a moment of immense pride for the team and its supporters, ensuring Hamilton’s place in Scuderia history and earning him the adoration of Italian fans for years to come.
