The tough questions Lewis Hamilton could face about Mercedes upon joining Ferrari
11/20/2024 06:48 PM
Lewis Hamilton's highly anticipated move to Ferrari marks a seismic shift in the world of motorsport. The seven-time World Champion is set to join Formula 1's most storied team, stepping away from a long and successful partnership with Mercedes.
The British driver has spent the majority of his career powered by Mercedes engines, first during his tenure at McLaren and later with the works team, where he secured six of his seven drivers’ titles.
Initially, rumors of Hamilton's move to Ferrari were dismissed as baseless speculation. However, the narrative changed following a lackluster 2023 Formula 1 season. Despite extending his Mercedes contract through 2026, Lewis Hamilton exercised a break clause, allowing him to part ways and sign with Ferrari.
While the British driver will officially race for Ferrari in 2025, he is required to fulfill a sponsorship obligation for Mercedes at the conclusion of the 2024 season. This means his debut behind the wheel of a Ferrari will not occur until pre-season testing in early 2025. Commenting on the move during a YouTube livestream, F1 analyst and former Ferrari general manager Peter Windsor predicted Lewis Hamilton will face a barrage of tough questions, especially if Mercedes shows strong form during testing.
Peter Windsor Foresees Scrutiny for Lewis Hamilton in 2025
Windsor anticipates Lewis Hamilton will be repeatedly questioned about the wisdom of his decision to join Ferrari, particularly if Mercedes demonstrates competitive pace ahead of the 2025 season. These questions will likely revolve around whether the switch to Maranello is the right step for Hamilton in his quest for an elusive eighth World Championship title.
Can Ferrari Deliver Championship Success in 2025?
Ferrari enters this new era with cautious optimism. Despite a slow start to 2024, the team has made steady progress, with their technical department undergoing significant restructuring aimed at sustained success.
Though the team hasn't claimed a Drivers' Championship since 2007, Ferrari has reestablished itself as a race-winning contender and a consistent top-three finisher in the Constructors' standings.
Lewis Hamilton isn't the only high-profile acquisition for the Scuderia. Loic Serra, Mercedes' former head of vehicle dynamics, has joined Ferrari along with several other key engineers. Their expertise is expected to help Ferrari address persistent issues with their car concept.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc has expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete for titles, citing the success of recent upgrades that delivered strong performances at Monza, Azerbaijan, and Mexico City.
Lewis Hamilton's move represents a bold new chapter for both the driver and Ferrari, but whether it will yield the ultimate prize remains the burning question as the 2025 season approaches.
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