Max Verstappen expecting Lewis Hamilton rebirth at Ferrari “it’s nice for Lewis…read more
At Formula One’s grand 75th anniversary season launch at London’s O2 Arena, Max Verstappen expressed his belief that Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will rejuvenate the seven-time world champion’s career. The event, attended by all 20 drivers and 15,000 fans, set the stage for an exhilarating 2025 season, with Hamilton’s high-profile transfer from Mercedes to Ferrari dominating discussions.
Hamilton, now 40, concluded a 12-season tenure with Mercedes, during which he secured six of his seven titles. His final season with the team saw a resurgence, breaking a two-and-a-half-year winless streak with a victory at the British Grand Prix in July, yet he finished seventh in the championship, trailing Verstappen by 214 points. This move to Ferrari marks a significant shift, as Hamilton replaces Carlos Sainz Jr., who has transitioned to Williams on a multi-year deal. Hamilton’s new teammate at Ferrari will be Charles Leclerc, who recently extended his contract beyond the 2024 season.
Verstappen, aiming for his fifth consecutive title to match Michael Schumacher’s record, commented on Hamilton’s prospects with Ferrari: “It’s nice for Lewis. It will provide him with a different scenery, a new motivation. When you’ve been with a team for a long time, have won a lot, and then had a few tough seasons, maybe your motivation is different. Now it’s almost like he’s reborn.” He also acknowledged the strengths of both Hamilton and Leclerc, suggesting a formidable partnership at Ferrari.
The 2025 season is poised to be one of the most competitive in recent years. McLaren, fresh off clinching the Constructors’ Championship in 2024, aims to defend its title with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Norris, who secured his maiden Formula One victory at the Miami Grand Prix in 2024, is considered a strong contender for the championship. Red Bull Racing, with Verstappen and new teammate Liam Lawson, remains a formidable force. Lawson’s promotion from Racing Bulls follows Sergio Pérez’s departure at the end of the 2024 season.
Mercedes faces a period of transition after Hamilton’s departure. George Russell, now the team’s senior driver, is partnered with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, promoted from Formula 2. Russell, a double race winner in 2024, emphasized his unwavering approach despite the team’s changes: “I focus on myself and my goal to win.”
Fernando Alonso, driving for Aston Martin, shared his insights on the upcoming season. He highlighted the significant impact of engineer Adrian Newey’s arrival at Aston Martin, suggesting it could surpass the influence of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari: “Newey is crucial for our development, especially with upcoming regulatory changes.” Alonso also noted the challenges Hamilton might face adapting to a new car and building rapport within Ferrari.
Carlos Sainz Jr., now with Williams, expressed confidence in Hamilton’s potential success at Ferrari: “Lewis has a strong chance of competing for his eighth championship with Ferrari.” Sainz’s move to Williams comes as the team strives to improve upon its ninth-place finish in the previous season’s Constructors’ Championship.
The season’s opening race is scheduled for March 16 in Melbourne, Australia, marking the beginning of a record 24-race calendar. Notable additions include six Sprint weekends, with Belgium replacing Austria as one of the Sprint venues. Pre-season testing is set to take place in Bahrain from February 26 to 28, providing teams with a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their cars ahead of the rigorous season.
As the season approaches, anticipation builds around the new team dynamics and driver line-ups. Hamilton’s high-profile switch to Ferrari, Verstappen’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive title, and the emergence of young talents like Lawson and Antonelli promise an exciting and unpredictable championship battle. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the unfolding drama and competition that the 2025 Formula One season is set to deliver.
