On February 1st 2024, the cataclysmic news that Lewis Hamilton was moving to Ferrari graced our screens like the news that Donald Trump had won the election or that Russia had waged war on Ukraine. Shockwaves were sent through the F1 community. Martin Brundle was on air immediately, Toto Wolff was crying in his basement and I was FTFO. After 12 seasons, 246 races, 84 victories and 6 drivers championships all with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton was leaving. One question echoed through everyone’s brains: why?
Ferrari is Ferrari. The oldest, most historic and iconic team on the grid. ‘Winning in F1 makes you a champion. Winning with Ferrari makes you a legend.’ It is every drivers’ dream to race and win with Ferrari. A lot of successful drivers have gone to Ferrari with goal to end their career with a world championship there such as Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost and, of course, Lewis Hamilton. However I don’t believe that Hamilton is just there for that. I believe something different.
I believe that Lewis Hamilton didn’t join Ferrari with the singular goal of getting his 8th (or 9th) world championship. I think that he has embarked on a journey over the next two years (and maybe beyond) to help Ferrari return to its former glory. Whilst Ferrari is currently second in the constructors, they are still a long way from winning. Over the past years they have been struggling with the way their team has been running in terms of strategy, efficiency and modernity. By Fred Vasseur bringing in a driver with 7 world championships and 8 constructors championships under his belt, together they can turn the team around and make them a dominant team again.
Additionally, Lewis Hamilton can help Charles Leclerc. Leclerc, while still being very talented, has always had something setting him back whether it be his mindset, his silly mistakes or his negativity. He could be a world champion but not if he keeps believing that he’s the unluckiest driver to ever exist because if you believe something strongly enough, it becomes a reality. Hamilton can show Leclerc a winning mindset and help him become world championship material.
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Lewis Hamilton is 40 years old with over 18 years of experience in F1. He is bound to retire soon, but maybe it wouldn’t be the end of his journey with Ferrari. He could retire as a driver and become a special advisor like a Helmut Marko (but not), or a Nikki Lauda. The championships he has always dreamed of winning at Ferrari, wouldn’t just be his own but also other people’s that he has contributed to.
Whilst Lewis Hamilton is already a legend. This would make him immortal.
So, that’s my hot take on Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. Do you agree? Tell me in the comments below.
See you trackside!
Trackside Talk 