Ferrari chief gives....when asked why Lewis Hamilton was signed over Max Verstappen..

Ferrari chief gives….when asked why Lewis Hamilton was signed over Max Verstappen…Read More

Ferrari’s decision to sign Lewis Hamilton over Max Verstappen for the 2025 Formula 1 season has stirred the motorsport world. The move sees Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, leave Mercedes after over a decade to join Ferrari on a multi-year contract. This surprising switch will place Hamilton alongside Charles Leclerc at the legendary Italian team, aiming to solidify Ferrari’s standing as the team to beat, especially as new regulations are set to be introduced in 2026.

Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari will coincide with Carlos Sainz’s departure. Sainz, who has been with Ferrari since 2021, has signed a three-year contract with Williams, where he will partner with Alex Albon. This shift marks a significant change for both drivers and their respective teams as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the coming seasons.

While the decision to bring Hamilton into the Ferrari fold may have shocked some fans, Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur provided insight into why the Scuderia prioritized Hamilton over the reigning champion, Max Verstappen. According to Vasseur, Hamilton’s experience, his established relationship with Leclerc, and his calm demeanor made him the perfect fit for Ferrari’s plans. Vasseur emphasized that these qualities were crucial for the team as they strive to build a dominant presence in the sport with the upcoming regulatory changes in mind.

Hamilton’s vast experience in Formula 1, having won championships with both McLaren and Mercedes, is seen as a key asset for Ferrari as they continue to develop their car and strategy for the future. Additionally, his rapport with Leclerc is expected to create a harmonious environment within the team, which could lead to improved performance on the track.

On the other hand, Verstappen, who has secured the last three Drivers’ Championships with Red Bull, was never seriously considered for the Ferrari seat, despite his immense success. The Dutch driver has a long-term contract with Red Bull and has repeatedly expressed his contentment with the team. In an interview earlier this year, Verstappen mentioned that while he’s open to new experiences in the future, switching teams is not something he’s currently interested in pursuing. This further solidified Ferrari’s decision to pursue Hamilton, as Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull made him an unlikely candidate for a move.

Speculation around Verstappen’s future continues, however, with some suggesting that he could be a potential replacement for Hamilton at Mercedes. Verstappen has been linked with a possible move to the Silver Arrows in the past, but recent comments from the Mercedes camp indicate that this is no longer an option. Mercedes has turned its attention to its junior driver, Kimi Antonelli, who is seen as the frontrunner to replace Hamilton alongside George Russell in the 2025 season.

Antonelli, an 18-year-old Italian driver, has been making waves in his debut Formula 2 season with Prema. Despite his relative inexperience compared to other drivers, Antonelli has already claimed two victories and is outperforming his more experienced teammate, Oliver Bearman. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, and he will be given the opportunity to drive Hamilton’s car during the opening practice session at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. This marks a significant step in his development and further cements his place as a future Mercedes driver.

As Hamilton prepares for his new challenge at Ferrari, and as Antonelli gets ready to step up at Mercedes, the 2025 season promises to be one of significant change and intense competition. Ferrari’s strategic decision to bring in Hamilton underscores their ambition to return to the top of the sport, while Mercedes looks to the next generation with Antonelli. Meanwhile, Verstappen remains focused on his current mission with Red Bull, determined to add more titles to his already impressive resume. As the 2026 regulations loom, all eyes will be on how these moves shape the future of Formula 1 and whether Ferrari’s gamble on Hamilton will pay off.