Hamilton & Ferrari: A Winning Formula for 2025?

Gerhard Berger believes Ferrari is on the brink of success, backing the team—and Lewis Hamilton—to claim at least one title in 2025.

Lewis Hamilton Happy in His Ferrari Cockpit, According to Early Leaks from the Scuderia

Amid rumors of discomfort with his initial pedal setup and a minor off-track excursion in Barcelona at the wheel of an older F1 car, recent adjustments are said to have made the seven-time world champion “feel immediately more comfortable.”

Opinions among pundits remain divided on how the 40-year-old will perform this season, particularly after his struggles with Mercedes since the start of the current ground-effect regulations era.

Some believe Ferrari and Hamilton may be driven primarily by financial motives.

“If Hamilton can become world champion with Ferrari, it would be the biggest thing ever seen in Formula 1 from a marketing perspective,” admits former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger to Auto Motor und Sport.

Nevertheless, Berger expects the red cars to shine this season.

“I would bet on Ferrari this season. I can’t say whether it will be Hamilton or Leclerc, or whether it will be the drivers’ or constructors’ championship, but they will win at least one title.”

“This is my personal feeling. Ferrari was fast almost all of last year, with a few missteps. I trust Fred Vasseur to eliminate that volatility as well. It took time, but I think they are very close.”

Berger also disagrees with Flavio Briatore, Mattia Binotto, and others who believe Ferrari made a mistake by signing Hamilton and ousting Carlos Sainz.

“It was a good decision for Ferrari to bring him in. And I think Hamilton needs new motivation. He was in the same team for so long that only a change of environment could help.”

“For Hamilton, finishing fifth is not a result that motivates him, but he will really grit his teeth at Ferrari and could well return to his best.”

“On the other hand, I think he will struggle to match Leclerc’s speed. It will be a very tight contest.”

Berger also believes Fred Vasseur is doing an excellent job at the helm of the iconic Italian team.

“It was always clear that it would take a year or two for his work to bear fruit. Now, I feel like it’s starting to come together. I also think it’s great that he brought in Hamilton.”

“Vasseur will bring Ferrari back to the top.”