Alpine boss Flavio Briatore reveals why he wouldn't have brought Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari
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Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is officially a Ferrari driver. As of January 1, 2025, this long-anticipated move has become reality.
The union between the most successful driver in Formula 1 history, measured by race wins, and the sport's most legendary team has sent waves of excitement through the F1 community. Ferrari and the British driver joining forces sets the stage for what could be one of the most thrilling and highly anticipated seasons in recent memory.
However, not everyone is convinced this partnership will yield success. Beneath the surface of the widespread buzz, doubts linger about Hamilton’s current form.
The seven-time world champion is coming off the most challenging season of his illustrious career. For the first time, Lewis Hamilton finished outside the top six in the Drivers' Championship, ending the 2024 campaign in seventh place. While this position was reflective of Mercedes' lackluster car performance, it's his struggles against teammate George Russell that have sparked concern.
George Russell dominated Lewis Hamilton in qualifying, outperforming him 19-5—a Saturday deficit unprecedented in Hamilton's career. Such a performance has raised questions about whether the 39-year-old is on the decline or simply struggling to adapt to the current generation of F1 machinery.
Flavio Briatore Questions Ferrari's Choice to Sign Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari's decision to bring in Hamilton has also disrupted a stable and successful driver line-up. The Scuderia, while still chasing their first Constructors' Championship since 2008, came closer than ever last season. They finished just 14 points behind McLaren, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz delivering a combined total of five wins and a grid-high 22 podium finishes.
Despite this success, Ferrari opted to release Carlos Sainz, who has now joined Williams, a team that finished near the back of the grid. Speaking to *Sport Bild*, via *sport.de*, former Renault team boss and current Alpine team principal Flavio Briatore expressed skepticism about Ferrari's move. He argued that the Italian side already had a "top" driver pairing and questioned the logic of disrupting their established formula.
Still, the Italian manager acknowledged the potential upside of the bold decision. He admitted that Lewis Hamilton's presence in Ferrari's scarlet red car is undeniably "good for Formula 1" and suggested the veteran driver may yet prove him wrong by reigniting Ferrari's championship hopes.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari to see if this partnership can live up to its monumental expectations—or if the skeptics will be proven right.
"It will be strange to see Lewis in the Ferrari," he said. "Of course I respect such decisions, but I also wonder whether it makes sense. Ferrari had two top drivers in Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. I don't understand why they split up this great pairing. It's not my job to judge, but if I had been in a position of responsibility at Ferrari, I wouldn't have signed Lewis." – the Italian pointed out.
"In principle, it's good for Formula 1 if Lewis drives for Ferrari. And everything that's good for Formula 1 is good for me too. It's certainly good for television and the ratings too. Let's wait and see. Time will tell how well he drives in the Ferrari." – the Alpine team boss continued.
Ferrari mechanics may already be warming to Lewis Hamilton after his gesture at Yas Marina.
Flavio Briatore, who led Benetton during Michael Schumacher's first two championship wins in 1994 and 1995, and later managed Fernando Alonso, is well-versed in working with the sport's legends. However, his recent remarks questioning Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari may only serve to ignite the seven-time world champion's determination as he prepares for his debut with the Scuderia at the Australian Grand Prix.
Hamilton is chasing history, aiming to become the first driver since Jack Brabham in 1966 to clinch a championship at the age of 40 or older. His arrival at Ferrari marks a new chapter for both the driver and the team, and his actions in Abu Dhabi offered a glimpse into how he plans to integrate with his new surroundings.
During the last round of the 2024 Formula 1 campaign, which was held at the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, Lewis Hamilton, still racing for Mercedes at the time, greeted Ferrari mechanics in Italian. The gesture, coupled with his efforts to learn the language, likely endeared him to his future colleagues. Such actions suggest the Briton is eager to immerse himself in Ferrari's culture, a move that could strengthen bonds within the team as they prepare for a pivotal 2025 season.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion’s contract with the Maranello team is expected to span two to three years, providing a limited timeframe to secure the elusive eighth title that has evaded him since 2020. While his immediate focus will be on achieving this historic milestone, Ferrari is already looking to the future. Rising star Oliver Bearman is widely tipped as a potential successor to Lewis Hamilton, with many expecting the young Brit to join the team in the coming years.
For now, Lewis Hamilton's time at Maranello offers a unique opportunity to prove himself in the iconic scarlet red, while also laying the groundwork for Ferrari's next generation of talent.
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