Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari switch raises big questions—will he thrive or struggle against Charles Leclerc in a team built around the Monegasque star?
Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore are convinced—Ferrari made a misstep by bringing Lewis Hamilton on board for 2025.
The former F1 boss, Ecclestone, believes Hamilton’s best shot at extending his career beyond 40 would have been staying put at Mercedes.
“Lewis has already had incredible success with Mercedes. He knows the team inside out,” said the 94-year-old.
“At Ferrari, though, it’s uncertain whether he’ll get the full backing he needs, especially with Leclerc being their golden boy.”
Leadership Concerns at Ferrari
Ferrari is aiming high for the 2025 season, targeting both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. But Ecclestone isn’t convinced—this time, his criticism is aimed at team principal Frédéric Vasseur.
“It’s not about technology or budget. The problem is leadership. That’s obvious from the outside,” Ecclestone said.
“Ferrari was at its best under Jean Todt, who built a rock-solid team working in perfect harmony. That’s what they’re missing now.”
Briatore: “I Wouldn’t Have Signed Hamilton”
Flavio Briatore, a longtime ally of Ecclestone and now an executive advisor at Alpine F1, shares the skepticism.
“No, I wouldn’t have signed him. Ferrari already had two strong drivers—Leclerc and Sainz.
Even if Lewis isn’t just a marketing move, I still think Charles is one of the fastest drivers in qualifying, and Carlos is tough.
They made a great duo, but Ferrari had other plans.”
Can Hamilton Beat Leclerc? Some Say No
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher is among those who believe Leclerc will have the upper hand against Hamilton in 2025.
“In the end, George Russell was the stronger and more consistent driver at Mercedes.”
Schumacher isn’t doubting Hamilton’s talent, but he believes the challenge of adapting to Ferrari will be steeper than people think.
“Lewis has been in the sport long enough to know he has to be quicker than Leclerc from day one.
But I think that’s almost impossible. Leclerc has grown tremendously in confidence and knows the car inside out—it’s been developed for him.
That will make things very tough for Hamilton right from the start.”
A Bold Gamble or a Miscalculated Move?
Hamilton’s Ferrari move is one of the biggest stories in F1 history. But as the 2025 season approaches, doubts are growing. Will he prove his critics wrong, or will this be a move he regrets? The answer will unfold on track.
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Hamilton’s Ferrari Gamble: A Bold Move or Career Misstep? Hamilton’s Ferrari Gamble: A Bold Move or Career Misstep?