Ex-Mercedes employee names the “biggest mistake” one can make

Former Mercedes Engineer Reveals the “Biggest Mistake” People Make About Lewis Hamilton

Ex-Mercedes engineer Loic Serra has revealed that underestimating Lewis Hamilton would be the “biggest mistake” anyone could make as the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion prepares for his unexpected move to Ferrari. Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season and join the iconic Italian team on a multi-year contract has shocked the F1 world. While many have questioned the logic behind this career shift, Serra has no doubts about Hamilton’s ability to succeed, even at the age of 39.

After a relatively disappointing final season with Mercedes, Hamilton finished P7 in the drivers’ standings with 223 points, behind his younger teammate George Russell, who placed P6 with 245 points. The lackluster results in 2024 raised concerns among fans and analysts about whether Hamilton could remain competitive at Ferrari, a team that has also struggled to dominate the F1 grid in recent years.

Loic Serra, who worked alongside Hamilton at Mercedes before making his own move to Ferrari in October 2024, spoke out in defense of the 105-time race winner. During Ferrari’s annual Cavallino Christmas lunch, Serra was asked about Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari and his expectations for the 2025 season. In his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport (via Motorsport Italy), Serra emphasized that underestimating Hamilton would be a major miscalculation.

“When I signed with Ferrari over a year ago, I didn’t know Lewis would be coming here,” said Serra. “But I am confident he’ll be just as fast as he was in his prime. The biggest mistake anyone can make is underestimating Hamilton. He has an extraordinary ability to feel the car and knows exactly what’s missing to go faster.”

This comment from Serra comes in the wake of Hamilton’s surprising career move. The British driver had signed a contract extension with Mercedes in August 2023, which was supposed to keep him with the team until the end of 2025. However, Hamilton chose to activate a release clause, enabling him to join Ferrari for what many have described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari marks a significant turning point in his illustrious career. He leaves Mercedes after more than a decade with the team, during which he secured six of his seven world titles and cemented his place among the sport’s all-time greats. His tenure with Mercedes was marked by an extraordinary run of success, but the 2024 season highlighted the challenges the team faced in keeping up with competitors like Red Bull and McLaren.

Despite Ferrari’s recent struggles, Hamilton’s move is being seen as a gamble with high potential rewards. Ferrari has shown flashes of competitiveness in 2024, with drivers like Charles Leclerc securing key victories, including the win at the United States Grand Prix. Hamilton’s arrival brings added pressure and excitement to a team eager to return to its former glory.

While questions remain about Ferrari’s ability to provide Hamilton with a race-winning car, Loic Serra’s confidence in Hamilton’s talent is a reminder of the British driver’s unmatched experience and instincts. Serra worked closely with Hamilton during his time at Mercedes and understands the level of focus and determination the seven-time champion brings to his craft.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Hamilton adapts to his new environment at Ferrari. Known for his extraordinary ability to extract the maximum performance from any car, Hamilton will face the challenge of helping Ferrari rise back to the top of the constructors’ standings.

In an era where F1 has become increasingly dominated by younger drivers, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari at this stage in his career shows that he is far from done with pursuing his eighth world title. Whether Ferrari can deliver the performance needed remains to be seen, but if anyone can turn the tide, it’s Lewis Hamilton, whose career has been built on defying expectations.