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 group 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 one of the vital 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 outdoors the highest six within the Drivers’ Championship, ending the 2024 marketing campaign in seventh place. Whereas this place was reflective of Mercedes’ lackluster automobile efficiency, it’s his struggles in opposition to 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 era of F1 equipment.
Flavio Briatore Questions Ferrari’s Option to Signal Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari’s resolution to herald Hamilton has additionally disrupted a steady 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 whole 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 group that completed close to the again of the grid. Chatting with *Sport Bild*, through *sport.de*, former Renault group boss and present Alpine group 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 method.
Nonetheless, the Italian supervisor acknowledged the potential upside of the daring resolution. He admitted that Lewis Hamilton’s presence in Ferrari’s scarlet crimson automobile is undeniably “good for Method 1” and instructed the veteran driver might but show him incorrect 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.
“Will probably be unusual to see Lewis within the Ferrari,” he mentioned. “After all I respect such selections, 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 cut up up this nice pairing. It’s not my job to guage, but when I had been able of duty 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 all the things that’s good for Method 1 is sweet for me too. It’s actually good for tv and the rankings too. Let’s wait and see. Time will inform how effectively he drives within the Ferrari.” – the Alpine group 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 dedication 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 motive force and the group, and his actions in Abu Dhabi provided a glimpse into how he plans to combine along with his new environment.
Over the last 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, seemingly 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 inside the group as they put together for a pivotal 2025 season.
The seven-time Method 1 world champion’s contract with the Maranello group is anticipated to span two to 3 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 attaining this historic milestone, Ferrari is already trying to the long run. Rising star Oliver Bearman is extensively tipped as a possible successor to Lewis Hamilton, with many anticipating the younger Brit to affix the group within the coming years.
For now, Lewis Hamilton’s time at Maranello gives a novel alternative to show himself within the iconic scarlet crimson, whereas additionally laying the groundwork for Ferrari’s subsequent era of expertise.
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