Lewis Hamilton’s much-awaited move to Ferrari is on the horizon as the seven-time world champion switches from Mercedes to the iconic Italian team for a new chapter in his career.
Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari is being hailed as one of the most exciting driver changes in Formula 1 history. At 39 years old, the British driver is determined to clinch an eighth championship title to further enhance his already impressive career. Despite his recent performance raise concerns, Hamilton has expressed his eagerness to start with Ferrari.
During the 2024 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton struggled with adapting to Mercedes’ ground-effect car, frequently falling behind teammate George Russell in qualifying and race results. While he did manage two wins, his season ended with a disappointing seventh place in the drivers’ standings, marking his worst championship finish.
A major concern was Hamilton’s inconsistency in qualifying, failing to progress past Q1 on multiple occasions, leading to visible frustration. By the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where he finished 10th, Hamilton hinted at his dissatisfaction with Mercedes, suggesting it was his final chance to perform well with the team.
As he gears up for his new journey at Ferrari, Hamilton hopes the change will reignite his career. However, former world champion Mika Hakkinen has voiced doubts about Hamilton facing challenges similar to those that led to his retirement from Formula 1.
In an interview, Hakkinen drew parallels between his own career and Hamilton’s current situation, emphasizing the difficulty of regaining peak performance after a turbulent period. He suggested that Hamilton’s struggle to adapt to Ferrari may pose significant challenges for the British driver.
Despite the fresh start at Ferrari, Hakkinen believes that reclaiming top form will be a tough task for Hamilton, potentially shaping the success of his new chapter with the team.