The world of Formula 1 is in turmoil: Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion, is joining Ferrari in 2025. This historic transfer marks the alliance of the most successful driver of his generation with the most emblematic team in motorsport.
A historic turning point
Lewis Hamilton needs no introduction. With his seven world titles, he shares with Michael Schumacher the top of the Formula 1 charts. Ferrari, for its part, has always embodied the very essence of this sport. The coming together of these two legends, after a long history between Hamilton and Mercedes, constitutes one of the most significant movements in the history of F1.
The choice was not easy for Hamilton, who admitted: “Making the decision to leave was one of the hardest of my career.” Indeed, the Briton built his legacy with Mercedes, which he joined in 2013 after starting at McLaren-Mercedes. But, after more than a decade of success and Mercedes' declining performances in recent seasons, the desire to take on one last challenge seems to have won out.
A promising, but complex, collaboration
In Maranello, Hamilton will form a unique duo with Charles Leclerc. The latter, a rising F1 star, sees this arrival as a unique opportunity: “Having Lewis as a teammate will be incredible. He is a reference for any driver.” However, this alliance raises questions. Who will be the leader?
Leclerc, younger, is already the face of Ferrari, but Hamilton is an outstanding competitor, reluctant to play second fiddle.
Mercedes' past experience with Hamilton and Nico Rosberg shows that managing two ambitious drivers can become a headache. Ferrari will have to show finesse to channel their talents without risking dividing the team.
A strategic bet for Ferrari and Hamilton
Hamilton's choice of Ferrari goes beyond the simple sporting aspect. In addition to his admiration for the Scuderia's history, he maintains strong relationships with Frédéric Vasseur, team principal, and John Elkann, Ferrari president. Financially, this transfer is also significant: with an annual salary of $60 million, Hamilton becomes the highest paid driver in F1 history.
For Ferrari, this transfer is a double blow. Hamilton's presence should boost performance on the track, while strengthening the team's brand image. Since the announcement of his arrival, the valuation of Ferrari on the stock market has jumped, illustrating the impact of this collaboration even before the first lap.
An immense challenge for an ultimate quest
Hamilton knows he won't have it easy. Unlike Mercedes, where, upon his arrival, he won two titles in 2014 and 2015, Ferrari is still looking for consistency. The Scuderia has not won a championship since 2007, and its strategic performances remain often criticized.
For the Briton, this choice represents less an opportunity for immediate domination than a symbolic quest: to end his career in the legendary red of Ferrari and add a legendary chapter to his legacy.
The 2025 season under high tension
With Hamilton and Leclerc at the helm, Ferrari has a formidable driver duo capable of competing with Red Bull and the other major teams. It remains to be seen whether the Scuderia will be able to offer a car that matches its ambitions. As Sebastian Vettel once said: “Everyone is a Ferrari fan. Even if they say they’re not, they’re Ferrari fans.”
The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years, and all eyes will be on Maranello. For Hamilton, this new challenge is a unique chance to cement his legend in a team that embodies the history and passion of F1.
