Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari has ignited a firestorm of excitement in Formula 1. But while the seven-time World Champion was greeted by adoring Tifosi at Fiorano, David Coulthard isn’t convinced the Scuderia has made the right move.
The former McLaren and Red Bull driver has issued a stern warning to Ferrari, pointing to Hamilton’s recent struggles as a serious cause for concern ahead of his first season in red.
Hamilton’s Decline: “A Pretty Worrying Trend”
Hamilton has endured a difficult stretch since losing the 2021 title to Max Verstappen in controversial fashion. While Mercedes’ recent cars have lacked race-winning pace, Hamilton’s performances—especially in qualifying—have raised eyebrows.
Coulthard pulled no punches when analyzing the seven-time champ’s form:
“Lewis is a winning machine, he’s broken all the records, but this isn’t a personality contest, it’s not an opinion contest – it’s a data-driven contest.”
“To be out-qualified consistently by George [Russell]…the greats don’t have bad cars.”
In three seasons as teammates, Russell finished ahead of Hamilton in two, including in 2024 when Hamilton’s one-lap pace let him down, compromising his Sundays.
For Coulthard, that’s not a small dip in form—it’s a trend.
“He’s got out of sorts with this current phase of his age and formula, and whether Ferrari are the kickstart to bring him back or not remains to be seen, but I’d say that’s pretty worrying.”
The implication? Ferrari may have just bet big on a fading star.
The Clock is Ticking: “Mother Nature Always Wins”
Coulthard, who raced against Hamilton in his early McLaren years, also hinted at the undeniable impact of time.
“There is a thing called Mother Nature, and the clock is ticking.”
At 40 years old, Hamilton will be the oldest driver on the 2025 grid—a stark contrast to young stars like Max Verstappen (27), Charles Leclerc (27), and Lando Norris (25).
F1 is more physically demanding than ever, and while Fernando Alonso (43) remains competitive, not every driver can defy time indefinitely.
Does Hamilton still have the firepower to beat the best? Or is Father Time finally catching up?
Can Ferrari “Reignite” Hamilton’s Speed?
Despite his reservations, Coulthard does see a path to redemption—if Ferrari plays it right.
He highlighted two key factors that could reignite Hamilton’s form:
1️⃣ His Relationship with Fred Vasseur
“Fred knows him well from GP2, so that might help.”
2️⃣ A Mental Reset at Ferrari
“Sometimes change is good. Maybe putting on that red suit works the same as Superman putting on his suit.”
Ferrari has poured massive resources into developing the 2025 SF-25, an evolution of their race-winning 2024 car. If Hamilton immediately clicks with the machine, Coulthard believes he could still be dangerous.
“But it will be an exciting time anyway.”
Is Coulthard Right? Should Ferrari Be Concerned?
Ferrari’s bold move to bring Hamilton in was always a gamble.
🔴 The Optimistic View:
- Hamilton is still Lewis Hamilton. He thrives on big moments and could rediscover his peak form with a fresh start.
- Ferrari’s 2025 car might suit his style better than Mercedes’ recent disasters.
- He’s still one of the smartest, most experienced racers on the grid.
⚠️ The Pessimistic View:
- He’s past his prime. Russell outperformed him at Mercedes.
- His qualifying struggles will only get worse against Leclerc, one of the grid’s best one-lap specialists.
- Time is undefeated.
So, did Ferrari make a masterstroke move—or a massive mistake?
One thing’s for sure: 2025 will be the ultimate test of Hamilton’s legacy.
