Hamilton backed for fairytale Ferrari title glory…read more
Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has expressed confidence that Lewis Hamilton could still contend for an eighth world title, especially with his upcoming move to Ferrari. This shift is expected to be a major turning point in Hamilton’s career, as he transitions from Mercedes to Maranello for the 2025 season. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has been widely regarded as one of the best drivers in the history of the sport. However, despite his success, Ferrari’s last drivers’ title came in 2007 when Kimi Räikkönen clinched the crown, edging out Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, both driving for McLaren.
Hamilton’s performance in the 2024 season with Mercedes had been far from his best, with the 40-year-old expressing concerns over his lack of speed. He even admitted that his confidence had dipped, and he no longer felt as competitive as before. However, Herbert believes that Hamilton still has what it takes to challenge for the title once again, especially with a team like Ferrari. The key, Herbert points out, is the motivation that Hamilton will derive from driving for a team with a strong car, something that could ignite his passion and focus to fight for a record-breaking eighth title.
Herbert also suggested that Hamilton’s struggles in 2024 may have been linked to the struggles of Mercedes, which, according to Herbert, did not provide the kind of car Hamilton needed to perform at his peak. In fact, Herbert went on to state that Hamilton had made more mistakes during the 2024 season than usual, although he attributed this to the challenging situation at Mercedes rather than a decline in the driver’s abilities. With a competitive car under him at Ferrari, Herbert believes Hamilton will regain the speed and precision that had once made him virtually unbeatable.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari represents a significant new chapter in his illustrious career. The Italian team has had its share of challenges in recent years, but with Hamilton at the wheel, they could be poised to challenge for both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles. Ferrari’s current performance and the potential for improvement in the coming seasons may provide Hamilton with the right environment to chase that elusive eighth championship, something that would further cement his place in the sport’s history alongside the likes of Michael Schumacher.
For now, Hamilton’s supporters are hoping that the fresh start with Ferrari will reignite the spark that has made him one of the most successful and celebrated drivers in Formula 1 history. Whether he can overcome the challenges of the season ahead and rise to the top once again remains to be seen, but with Herbert’s backing, it’s clear that many still believe in his ability to add to his legendary title count.
