Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has expressed optimism about Lewis Hamilton’s impending move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season, suggesting it could reignite the seven-time world champion’s performance after a lackluster 2024 campaign with Mercedes.
A Fresh Start After Mercedes Staleness
After over a decade of immense success with Mercedes, including six world championships, Hamilton struggled to find his peak form in 2024. Despite securing two race victories, the Briton’s season was marred by inconsistencies and a car that often didn’t suit his driving style. Horner suggested that Hamilton’s prolonged stint with Mercedes may have contributed to a sense of “staleness.”
“There has perhaps been some staleness between him and Mercedes,” Horner remarked. “A move to Ferrari might fire him up again.”
Horner believes that Ferrari’s storied legacy and recent performance improvements could serve as a fresh source of motivation for the 39-year-old, providing the spark needed to contend for an eighth championship.
Ferrari’s Resurgence and Internal Rivalry
Ferrari has shown a marked improvement in recent seasons, raising expectations for 2025. With Hamilton joining the team, Horner sees him as a potential title contender if he gets off to a strong start. However, he warned that the Briton will face stiff competition from Charles Leclerc, who has been Ferrari’s cornerstone driver and knows the team dynamics inside out.
“If Lewis gets off to a good start, he could be a serious contender,” Horner said. “But he’ll face strong competition from Charles Leclerc, who knows the team well.”
The Hamilton-Leclerc pairing promises to be one of the most formidable lineups on the grid. However, the team will need to carefully manage internal dynamics and ensure both drivers receive the resources necessary to fight at the front.
Age Is No Barrier
Hamilton, set to turn 40 this year, has faced skepticism about whether he can still compete at the highest level. Horner dismissed such concerns, pointing to Fernando Alonso’s impressive performances into his forties as evidence that age need not hinder a driver’s competitiveness.
“Age doesn’t need to be a barrier,” Horner noted. “Fernando Alonso is proof that drivers can still perform at a high level in their forties.”
Hamilton’s vast experience and racecraft could prove invaluable to Ferrari as they aim to return to their championship-winning ways.
The Path to Success
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari represents a fresh chapter in his illustrious career. While the Italian team has struggled with consistency in recent years, the combination of Hamilton’s expertise and Leclerc’s raw talent offers a potent mix for potential championship glory.
Both drivers will need a car that suits their driving styles, and Ferrari must ensure they align development priorities to minimize internal friction. If they can strike the right balance, the Hamilton-Leclerc duo could deliver Ferrari’s first drivers’ championship since 2007.
For Hamilton, the move to Maranello is not just a gamble—it’s a chance to cement his legacy as one of the greatest drivers of all time by bringing glory back to the Scuderia.