Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, is already preparing for his next monumental challenge: donning the red of Ferrari in 2025. After more than a decade of loyalty to Mercedes, Hamilton's shocking move left fans and the excitement experts. But former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve says it was not a spontaneous decision. In fact, he insists Hamilton has had one foot out of Mercedes' door throughout the season.
Villeneuve drops the bomb: Hamilton's spirit was already in Maranello
Jacques Villeneuve, who has never been stingy with words, did not hold back his criticism of Hamilton's uninspiring campaign in 2024. The 39-year-old Briton has had a roller coaster season with the Silver Arrows, putting spotlighted only by a dramatic victory at the British GP. Since then, it's been a downward spiral. According to Villeneuve, Hamilton's lack of focus is no coincidence: it is a calculated pivot towards his future at Ferrari.
“His heart and head are probably already somewhere else,” Villeneuve said. “He knew he couldn't win the championship with Mercedes this year. Maybe he could get a race or two, but why invest the energy into building a car for a team he's going to leave?
For Villeneuve, Hamilton's decision to reduce his efforts at Mercedes is a tactical move. Why help build the future of a car he won't drive when the lure of Ferrari—arguably the most prestigious name in motorsport—calls him?
The Ferrari Factor: A Championship Dream Bigger Than Mercedes
Villeneuve believes Hamilton's move to Ferrari is not just about a change of scenery, but about legend. Winning another title with Mercedes would only add to the Briton's impressive track record. But winning an eighth championship—an absolute record—with Ferrari? It's legend.
“Joining Ferrari is the ultimate move for any driver,” Villeneuve said. “Winning with them after everything he’s accomplished? There is nothing greater in the world.”
It's a tantalizing prospect. Ferrari hasn't won a championship since Kimi Räikkönen's triumph in 2007. If Hamilton can end that drought, he wouldn't just be rewriting the record books; he would etch his name as one of the best drivers in F1 history.
Time Passes for Hamilton's Mercedes Era
Before the Ferrari chapter begins, Hamilton still has unfinished business with Mercedes. With just three races remaining in 2024, the Briton is preparing to bid farewell to the team that has defined his career since 2013. While his final season with the Silver Arrows may not have brought a championship, it has undoubtedly set the stage for a seismic shift in the F1 landscape.
As Hamilton turns to Ferrari, the pressure is immense. Can he adapt to the prancing horse and bring them back to the top? One thing is certain: all eyes will be on the scarlet car in 2025, and Lewis Hamilton, as always, will be ready to prove the doubters wrong.
Why it matters
Hamilton's move isn't just a driver change—it's a cultural event, a seismic moment in F1 history. If he succeeds at Ferrari, it could redefine what it means to be the greatest of all time. But the road ahead is strewn with pitfalls, and only time will tell if this audacious bet bears fruit.
Title contenders may come and go, but the prospect of Hamilton at Ferrari is the kind of drama that keeps fans in suspense. Buckle up, F1 fans—2025 is going to be a wild ride.
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