Hamilton’s Ferrari Switch Raises Concerns from Binotto

Hamilton’s Ferrari Switch Raises Concerns from Binotto, Promises Opportunity for Leclerc

Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari team principal, has expressed doubts about Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming move to Ferrari, believing it could disrupt the team’s long-term strategy centered on Charles Leclerc. Hamilton’s switch, announced in February 2024, marked the end of his 18-year tenure with Mercedes, a career spanning both the factory team and McLaren, Mercedes’ former partner squad. He will join Ferrari in 2025, partnering with Leclerc and displacing Carlos Sainz, who is now heading to Williams.

Binotto, who led Ferrari until 2022, stated that had he still been in charge, he wouldn’t have signed the seven-time world champion. “Hamilton risks destabilizing Ferrari’s championship plans,” Binotto noted, referring to the team’s focus on building around Leclerc, who is seen as the face of Ferrari’s future. His comments reflect a broader concern that Hamilton’s arrival might shift attention and disrupt the stability needed to develop a consistent title challenge.

Despite the concerns, Leclerc has expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to race alongside a driver of Hamilton’s caliber. The Monegasque driver sees Hamilton’s arrival as a chance to learn from one of the sport’s most successful competitors. Speaking to ESPN, Leclerc remarked, “I’ll be curious to understand what he’s done right throughout his career to achieve so much success. Lewis has very few weaknesses — if any. He’s always fast, consistent, and performs at a very high level.”

Leclerc also acknowledged that having Hamilton as a teammate would push him to perform at his best. “With Lewis joining, he’ll be a benchmark, so it’ll be crucial for me to be at the top of my game,” he said. The 26-year-old noted that working alongside Hamilton will provide him with unique insights. He explained that having both drivers in the same machinery eliminates any doubts about whether differences in performance come from the car or driver. “In the past, I’ve learned from other drivers, but there’s always been the question of whether my car could do what their car does. Next season, there won’t be that uncertainty — we’ll be driving the same car.”

Binotto also reflected on Ferrari’s progress under his tenure, expressing satisfaction with the current state of the team despite his departure. “If Ferrari wins, I’ll be happy because I know the effort that went into building the team to this level. I feel I made a contribution to that success,” he said. Binotto added that he had aimed to create a structured and efficient organization during his time at Ferrari, emphasizing continuity rather than drastic changes.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari represents a significant shift in the Formula 1 landscape. It brings together two of the sport’s biggest names and introduces an exciting dynamic within Ferrari’s driver lineup. However, the transition also poses challenges, particularly in managing the team’s ambitions for both drivers. While Leclerc is eager to make the most of Hamilton’s experience, balancing two top-tier drivers will be a test for Ferrari as they seek to reclaim their former dominance.

Hamilton and Leclerc will race together at Ferrari at least until 2026, with the team hoping to end its championship drought during that period. Meanwhile, Sainz’s departure to Williams signals a fresh start for the Spaniard, who looks to lead the historic team back to competitiveness. As Ferrari prepares for this new chapter, the stakes are higher than ever, with expectations of both internal harmony and external success resting heavily on the team’s shoulders.