The Formula 1 world was shaken by the announcement that Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, will leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season to join Ferrari in a multi-year deal starting in 2025. This move, which signals a significant shift in the F1 landscape, has garnered reactions from across the paddock, including from Ferrari Academy Driver Oliver Bearman, who is thrilled about the prospect of working alongside Hamilton under the Ferrari banner.
Bearman Eager to Learn from Hamilton’s Winning Mentality as He Joins Ferrari in 2025, a rising star in Formula 1 who made his debut with Ferrari at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, is set to compete full-time for Haas next season. However, his close ties with Ferrari keep him deeply connected to the developments at Maranello, where Hamilton’s arrival is eagerly anticipated. For Bearman, Hamilton’s experience and mindset are expected to bring a transformative impact to the team, which has struggled to recapture its former glory in recent years.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Bearman expressed his excitement about the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history. “He will bring a lot of experience to the team,” Bearman said. “He has won seven world championships, something that not many can boast. He will bring a good mentality to the team, a winning mentality, and his talent is undeniable. He is one of the best ever.”
Bearman’s admiration for Hamilton is clear, and he believes that the Briton’s presence at Ferrari will do more than just improve the car’s performance—it will instill a culture of excellence and resilience within the team. Hamilton, known for his relentless pursuit of success and his ability to motivate those around him, is expected to play a crucial role in elevating Ferrari’s competitiveness.
The decision to join Ferrari is seen as a bold move for Hamilton, who has spent over a decade with Mercedes, winning multiple championships and solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats. However, with Mercedes facing increasing competition from Red Bull, McLaren, and other teams, Hamilton’s desire for a new challenge has led him to Maranello, where he hopes to add to his already illustrious legacy.
Bearman is not the only one within Ferrari who is optimistic about Hamilton’s arrival. Charles Leclerc, who will partner with Hamilton in 2025, has also welcomed the move, viewing it as a strong statement from Ferrari about their intentions to return to the top of Formula 1. “Roping in a driver like Lewis Hamilton is a strong signal,” Leclerc told the Italian arm of Motorsport.com. “Lewis could facilitate the arrival of very talented people to the team.”
Leclerc’s comments highlight the broader impact Hamilton’s signing could have on Ferrari. The team has already made significant moves in the offseason, securing former Mercedes Head of Vehicle Performance Loic Serra, who is set to join Ferrari as Head of Chassis Performance Engineering, and potentially as the Technical Director. Serra’s departure from Mercedes, reportedly a major factor in Hamilton’s decision to switch teams, could be the first of several key figures to move from Brackley to Maranello.
The anticipation surrounding Hamilton’s arrival is palpable, with many within Ferrari believing that his presence could be the catalyst needed to end the team’s championship drought, which has lasted since Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 title. The combination of Hamilton’s driving prowess, Leclerc’s youthful energy, and a revamped technical team led by Serra could make Ferrari a formidable force once again.
For Bearman, the prospect of working alongside Hamilton is a dream come true. As a young driver looking to make his mark in Formula 1, the opportunity to learn from a driver of Hamilton’s caliber is invaluable. “It is fantastic that he can share his experience with me,” Bearman said. “I hope to learn a lot from him and I hope that Ferrari does too, because I think he will be a valuable asset for the team.”
As Ferrari prepares for the 2025 season, the excitement and expectations are higher than they have been in years. Hamilton’s arrival, coupled with the team’s recent investments in technical expertise, could herald a new era of success for the Scuderia, and Bearman is eager to be a part of it.
Photo from Bearman Instagram
