Breaking News: Hamilton EXIT ‘can happen just like that’ amid…read more
Hamilton EXIT ‘can happen just like that’ amid…read more
After a remarkable 12-season tenure with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career by joining Ferrari at the age of 40. This strategic move aims to secure his elusive eighth World Championship title, a feat that has generated significant discourse within the Formula One community.
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has been met with a spectrum of opinions. Former Formula One driver Christian Danner has expressed reservations about the potential success of this partnership. In an interview with Motorsportmagazin.com, Danner articulated his skepticism, stating, “I really have my doubts whether it will actually go well there.” He emphasized the uncertainty surrounding Ferrari’s car performance, noting that unlike Hamilton’s early days at Mercedes, where the team had a significant advantage, the current competition is expected to be much tighter. Danner highlighted the internal competition with teammate Charles Leclerc and the formidable challenges posed by other teams, suggesting that Hamilton’s path to another championship will be arduous.
Adding to the discourse, former Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has voiced his concerns regarding the longevity and efficacy of Hamilton’s stint with Ferrari. In a candid conversation with The Telegraph, the 94-year-old Ecclestone predicted that Hamilton might not fulfill the entirety of his reported three-year contract with the Scuderia. He remarked, “He won’t last that long,” and questioned the decision-making behind Hamilton’s move, suggesting that both parties might eventually regret the partnership. Ecclestone also alluded to a perceived decline in Hamilton’s motivation, stating, “Hamilton, he’s getting tired, he’s lost motivation.” This perspective raises questions about Hamilton’s enduring drive, especially after having already secured seven World Championships.
Danner concurs that Ecclestone’s insights should not be dismissed lightly. He acknowledges Ecclestone’s unique vantage point, shaped by decades of involvement in the sport, and suggests that his predictions, though delivered with characteristic sarcasm, warrant consideration. Danner reflected, “Bernie comes from a completely different time and has always done what he wanted. That’s why I’m anything but surprised by what he said about Hamilton.” This acknowledgment underscores the weight that Ecclestone’s experience brings to his assessments of the sport’s dynamics.
Despite these reservations, there are voices within the racing community that offer a more optimistic outlook on Hamilton’s venture with Ferrari. Former Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell, who himself raced for Ferrari, has expressed confidence in Hamilton’s potential to succeed with the team. Mansell, the last British driver to win with Ferrari, believes that Hamilton is poised to break the team’s title drought, which has persisted since 2008, and secure his record-breaking eighth World Championship. He praised Hamilton as a “complete class act” and suggested that the seasoned driver might “surprise a lot of people” in the upcoming season. Mansell’s perspective offers a counterbalance to the skepticism, highlighting the potential for a successful collaboration between Hamilton and Ferrari.
The anticipation surrounding Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari was palpable during the 2025 Formula One season launch event in London. Hamilton’s first official appearance as a Ferrari driver was met with enthusiastic applause from the 15,000-strong crowd. The event also showcased the new car liveries for the season, with Ferrari unveiling a striking design featuring a white stripe on their traditional red car. This visual transformation symbolizes a new era for both Hamilton and the team, as they embark on this collaborative quest for championship glory.
As the season approaches, the Formula One landscape is poised for intense competition. Mercedes, Hamilton’s former team, has introduced the W16, a car that represents a significant shift following Hamilton’s departure. The team has made strategic changes, including the promotion of 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli to partner with George Russell. Mercedes’ Team Principal, Toto Wolff, has emphasized the need for the team to operate at peak performance to contend for the title, acknowledging the heightened competitiveness of the 2025 season. This development adds another layer of complexity to Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari, as both teams strive for supremacy in the upcoming championship.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari not only signifies a personal career shift but also reflects broader trends within Formula One. The sport is witnessing a dynamic reshuffling of drivers and teams, with emerging talents stepping into prominent roles and seasoned drivers seeking new challenges. This evolving landscape underscores the unpredictable and strategic nature of Formula One, where decisions made off the track can significantly influence outcomes on it.
Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari marks a pivotal moment in Formula One history. While seasoned figures like Christian Danner and Bernie Ecclestone express caution regarding the partnership’s potential success, others like Nigel Mansell offer a more hopeful perspective. As the 2025 season unfolds, the motorsport world will keenly observe how this high-stakes collaboration impacts the quest for the World Championship, adding a compelling narrative to the ever-evolving story of Formula One.
About The Author
