Lewis Hamilton is now officially a Ferrari F1 driver (Image: Getty)
As of January 1, 2025, is a F1 driver. The sport’s most decorated driver joins its most iconic team in a partnership that will make the upcoming campaign one of the most anticipated in decades.
Hamilton arrives in Maranello with a fire in his stomach and a clear objective: win a record-breaking eighth Drivers’ Championship title and bring the glory days back to the Tifosi. However, while his race pace remains strong, many have doubted Fred Vasseur’s decision to bring the Brit to Italy for the 2025 campaign.
Among those questioning the Brit’s form is David Coulthard, who said on the Formula For Success podcast: “He’s as low as he can be right now. But I would say that’s pretty worrying. It doesn’t detract from his brilliance, it doesn’t take away anything from the records, but there is a thing called mother nature, and the clock is ticking.”
Co-host Eddie Jordan is also sceptical. “You are, in most people’s view, the greatest driver of all time,” he said. “Please remember what I’m going to say to you. Always, always think about the best exit. And this is the time to take the money off the table. Go.”
However, while outsiders have questioned whether or not the 39-year-old is past his prime, new team-mate Charles Leclerc has no concerns. “When a champion like Lewis gets to any team, it brings a lot of motivation out of every single person,” he explained.
“He will come along with all the experience that he’s had over the years with – a different way of working, a different vision – and this is always benefitting a team.” He went on to add: “Obviously, for me, it’s going to be amazing because I’ll have in the same car as me the most successful driver in F1 history.
“That will be both extremely interesting for me to learn from one of the best ever, as well as a really big challenge and motivation to beat Lewis and to show what I’m capable of. With Lewis joining the team, he will definitely be a benchmark so it will be very important for me to be on my top level.”
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Carlos Sainz was moved aside to facilitate Hamilton’s arrival (Image: Getty)
Most of the external frustration over ’s decision to sign Hamilton relates to the opportunity cost of the move – ’s departure. The Spaniard enjoyed his strongest F1 season in 2024, recording multiple Grand Prix wins for the first time, but must now rebuild his career at Williams.
However, even Sainz understands ’s decision to poach Hamilton at his expense. “I understood it almost right from the beginning,” he told the Beyond The Grid podcast. “I think if it would have been someone else, I would have taken a lot more longer to understand.
“But when you understand , the seven-time world champion and one of the best – if not the best in history – is going to replace you as . And Lewis has decided to do his last part of his career in , and that you need to be one of the two drivers sacrificed for that to happen – I understand.”
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If Hamilton is to prove his doubters wrong and secure a record-breaking eighth F1 crown, he will need to beat some stiff competition. and ended the 2024 campaign in style with the Constructors’ Championship title, while Leclerc will be a formidable team-mate given his immense consistency and qualifying pace.
Hamilton has been reluctant to comment on his title hopes in 2025, but most betting companies have the 39-year-old priced up between 7/1 and 8/1 to snatch the crown, with Norris, reigning champion and Leclerc all favoured.