In a seismic shift that has electrified the Formula 1 paddock, Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been labeled the perfect career pivot by Red Bull boss Christian Horner. After a record-breaking 12-year stint with Mercedes that saw Hamilton claim six World Championships, the seven-time titleholder is set to don Ferrari red in 2025. Horner believes the move could reignite the fire Hamilton needs to challenge for greatness once again.
A Fresh Start for Hamilton and Ferrari
Christian Horner didn’t hold back in praising Hamilton’s decision to leave the Silver Arrows, calling it a “great move” not just for Hamilton but for the entire sport.
“It’s great for him, and for Formula 1, to see Lewis driving a Ferrari,” Horner said. He added that the switch appears to be motivated by a deteriorating dynamic at Mercedes. “From the outside, it looked like the relationship between him and Mercedes had become a bit stale. This move might just be the motivation he needs to reignite his fire.”
Hamilton joins Ferrari after a challenging 2024 season where he struggled to keep pace with his younger teammate, George Russell. Despite two victories, including a record-breaking ninth win at the British Grand Prix, Hamilton’s overall performance fell short of expectations. His toughest moment came in Qatar, where he admitted, “I’m not fast anymore.” But Horner is confident that Ferrari, which showed significant promise in the latter half of 2024, offers the platform Hamilton needs to rediscover his competitive edge.
A New Battlefield with Charles Leclerc
Horner emphasized the importance of Hamilton acclimating quickly to the unique challenges of Ferrari.
“Ferrari had a competitive car towards the second half of the year. If Lewis gets off to a strong start, he could be a real factor in the championship,” Horner remarked. However, he also noted the stiff competition Hamilton will face from his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, who has deep familiarity with the team and is one of the fastest drivers on the grid.
“For Lewis, settling in quickly and building momentum will be key,” Horner explained. “Charles knows the team inside out and will be a formidable rival within the garage. Lewis has to establish himself early in the season.”
Can Hamilton Defy Age and Critics?
At 40 years old, Hamilton enters his 19th F1 season, becoming one of only two drivers over 40 on the grid alongside Fernando Alonso. While pundits like Martin Brundle have suggested Hamilton might be past his prime, Horner dismissed those concerns.
“Age is just a number,” Horner insisted. “Fernando Alonso at 43 is still performing at an elite level. It’s not about how old you are but how you deliver on track. Lewis will be judged on his results, not his birth certificate.”
Horner’s comments come as Ferrari prepares to challenge Red Bull’s dominance, with Hamilton bringing unparalleled experience to Maranello. But can the Briton thrive in Ferrari’s high-pressure environment and silence critics who question his relevance in a younger, faster F1 field?