Seven-time Method 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is formally a Ferrari driver. As of January 1, 2025, this long-anticipated transfer has develop into actuality.
The union between probably the most profitable driver in Method 1 historical past, measured by race wins, and the game’s most legendary workforce has despatched waves of pleasure by means of the F1 neighborhood. Ferrari and the British driver becoming a member of forces units the stage for what could possibly be probably the most thrilling and extremely anticipated seasons in latest reminiscence.
Nevertheless, not everyone seems to be satisfied this partnership will yield success. Beneath the floor of the widespread buzz, doubts linger about Hamilton’s present kind.
The seven-time world champion is coming off probably the most difficult season of his illustrious profession. For the primary time, Lewis Hamilton completed exterior the highest six within the Drivers’ Championship, ending the 2024 marketing campaign in seventh place. Whereas this place was reflective of Mercedes’ lackluster automotive efficiency, it’s his struggles towards teammate George Russell which have sparked concern.
George Russell dominated Lewis Hamilton in qualifying, outperforming him 19-5—a Saturday deficit unprecedented in Hamilton’s profession. Such a efficiency has raised questions on whether or not the 39-year-old is on the decline or just struggling to adapt to the present technology of F1 equipment.
Flavio Briatore Questions Ferrari’s Option to Signal Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari’s choice to usher in Hamilton has additionally disrupted a secure and profitable driver line-up. The Scuderia, whereas nonetheless chasing their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008, got here nearer than ever final season. They completed simply 14 factors behind McLaren, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz delivering a mixed complete of 5 wins and a grid-high 22 podium finishes.
Regardless of this success, Ferrari opted to launch Carlos Sainz, who has now joined Williams, a workforce that completed close to the again of the grid. Talking to *Sport Bild*, through *sport.de*, former Renault workforce boss and present Alpine workforce principal Flavio Briatore expressed skepticism about Ferrari’s transfer. He argued that the Italian aspect already had a “high” driver pairing and questioned the logic of disrupting their established system.
Nonetheless, the Italian supervisor acknowledged the potential upside of the daring choice. He admitted that Lewis Hamilton’s presence in Ferrari’s scarlet purple automotive is undeniably “good for Method 1” and recommended the veteran driver might but show him mistaken by reigniting Ferrari’s championship hopes.
Because the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will likely be on Hamilton and Ferrari to see if this partnership can reside as much as its monumental expectations—or if the skeptics will likely be confirmed proper.
“It will likely be unusual to see Lewis within the Ferrari,” he mentioned. “In fact I respect such choices, however I additionally ponder whether it is smart. Ferrari had two high drivers in Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. I don’t perceive why they break up up this nice pairing. It’s not my job to evaluate, but when I had been able of accountability at Ferrari, I wouldn’t have signed Lewis.” – the Italian identified.
“In precept, it’s good for Method 1 if Lewis drives for Ferrari. And every part that’s good for Method 1 is sweet for me too. It’s definitely good for tv and the rankings too. Let’s wait and see. Time will inform how properly he drives within the Ferrari.” – the Alpine workforce boss continued.
Ferrari mechanics might already be warming to Lewis Hamilton after his gesture at Yas Marina.
Flavio Briatore, who led Benetton throughout Michael Schumacher’s first two championship wins in 1994 and 1995, and later managed Fernando Alonso, is well-versed in working with the game’s legends. Nevertheless, his latest remarks questioning Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari might solely serve to ignite the seven-time world champion’s willpower as he prepares for his debut with the Scuderia on the Australian Grand Prix.
Hamilton is chasing historical past, aiming to develop into the primary driver since Jack Brabham in 1966 to clinch a championship on the age of 40 or older. His arrival at Ferrari marks a brand new chapter for each the driving force and the workforce, and his actions in Abu Dhabi supplied a glimpse into how he plans to combine along with his new environment.
Over the past spherical of the 2024 Method 1 marketing campaign, which was held on the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, Lewis Hamilton, nonetheless racing for Mercedes on the time, greeted Ferrari mechanics in Italian. The gesture, coupled along with his efforts to study the language, doubtless endeared him to his future colleagues. Such actions counsel the Briton is raring to immerse himself in Ferrari’s tradition, a transfer that would strengthen bonds throughout the workforce as they put together for a pivotal 2025 season.
The seven-time Method 1 world champion’s contract with the Maranello workforce is anticipated to span two to a few years, offering a restricted timeframe to safe the elusive eighth title that has evaded him since 2020. Whereas his instant focus will likely be on reaching this historic milestone, Ferrari is already trying to the longer term. Rising star Oliver Bearman is broadly tipped as a possible successor to Lewis Hamilton, with many anticipating the younger Brit to affix the workforce within the coming years.
For now, Lewis Hamilton’s time at Maranello presents a singular alternative to show himself within the iconic scarlet purple, whereas additionally laying the groundwork for Ferrari’s subsequent technology of expertise.
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