Lewis Hamilton’s extremely anticipated transfer to Ferrari marks a seismic shift on the earth of motorsport. The seven-time World Champion is ready to affix System 1’s most storied staff, stepping away from a protracted and profitable partnership with Mercedes.
The British driver has spent nearly all of his profession powered by Mercedes engines, first throughout his tenure at McLaren and later with the works staff, the place he secured six of his seven drivers’ titles.
Initially, rumors of Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari had been dismissed as baseless hypothesis. Nevertheless, the narrative modified following a lackluster 2023 System 1 season. Regardless of extending his Mercedes contract by way of 2026, Lewis Hamilton exercised a break clause, permitting him to half methods and signal with Ferrari.
Whereas the British driver will formally race for Ferrari in 2025, he’s required to meet a sponsorship obligation for Mercedes on the conclusion of the 2024 season. This implies his debut behind the wheel of a Ferrari won’t happen till pre-season testing in early 2025. Commenting on the transfer throughout a YouTube livestream, F1 analyst and former Ferrari basic supervisor Peter Windsor predicted Lewis Hamilton will face a barrage of robust questions, particularly if Mercedes exhibits robust kind throughout testing.
Peter Windsor Foresees Scrutiny for Lewis Hamilton in 2025
Windsor anticipates Lewis Hamilton will likely be repeatedly questioned in regards to the knowledge of his determination to affix Ferrari, notably if Mercedes demonstrates aggressive tempo forward of the 2025 season. These questions will possible revolve round whether or not the swap to Maranello is the precise step for Hamilton in his quest for an elusive eighth World Championship title.
Can Ferrari Ship Championship Success in 2025?
Ferrari enters this new period with cautious optimism. Regardless of a sluggish begin to 2024, the staff has made regular progress, with their technical division present process important restructuring geared toward sustained success.
Although the staff hasn’t claimed a Drivers’ Championship since 2007, Ferrari has reestablished itself as a race-winning contender and a constant top-three finisher within the Constructors’ standings.
Lewis Hamilton isn’t the one high-profile acquisition for the Scuderia. Loic Serra, Mercedes’ former head of auto dynamics, has joined Ferrari together with a number of different key engineers. Their experience is anticipated to assist Ferrari tackle persistent points with their automobile idea.
In the meantime, Charles Leclerc has expressed confidence within the staff’s potential to compete for titles, citing the success of latest upgrades that delivered robust performances at Monza, Azerbaijan, and Mexico Metropolis.
Lewis Hamilton’s transfer represents a daring new chapter for each the motive force and Ferrari, however whether or not it’ll yield the final word prize stays the burning query because the 2025 season approaches.