Ferrari is going through a period of change, with Lewis Hamilton joining the team and promising young talents like Bearman emerging. This marks a new chapter for Ferrari as they constantly seek improvement and strong competitiveness.
John Elkann, president of Ferrari, sees Hamilton’s decision to join the team as a significant endorsement of Ferrari’s potential to challenge Red Bull’s current dominance in Formula 1. Hamilton, who spent 12 seasons with Mercedes and won six of his seven world championships there, will make the switch to Scuderia Ferrari next year. This move comes after much speculation and denials, especially as Hamilton signed a lucrative two-year contract with Mercedes worth £100 million, despite previously expressing his desire to end his career with the German team.
For Hamilton, the transition to Ferrari represents a major change as he aims to secure an unprecedented eighth world title, surpassing Michael Schumacher’s record. Hamilton’s exceptional track record in Formula 1, including the most race wins and pole positions, solidifies his status as one of the sport’s greatest drivers.
Elkann, a longtime admirer of Hamilton, played a crucial role in finalizing the deal, highlighting Hamilton’s belief in Ferrari’s potential for greatness. “He will join Ferrari, and that is a testament to his confidence in our ability to achieve great things,” Elkann said in an interview with Sky Sports in Italy. This move comes at a crucial time for Ferrari as they seek to regain their former glory, having not won a drivers’ championship since 2007 or a constructors’ championship since 2008.
Despite Red Bull’s domination in the current season, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez leading the race, Ferrari has shown promise with impressive performances from Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. Elkann remains optimistic about the future of Ferrari, especially with new regulations set to come into effect in 2026, which could bring a change in the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
Another notable development for Ferrari is the inclusion of Oliver Bearman as a substitute for Sainz, who missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to appendicitis. Bearman made an impressive debut, receiving praise from Hamilton, who warmly embraced the young British driver after the race. Elkann sees this gesture as a reflection of Hamilton’s admirable character, both on and off the track. Overall, this transitional phase for Ferrari, marked by Hamilton’s arrival and the emergence of talents like Bearman, represents a hopeful era for the team as they strive for continuous improvement and a strong competitive spirit.