Ferrari, the most iconic name in elite motorsport, has finalized an agreement for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to join the team starting from the 2025 season. With Mercedes facing difficulties at the moment, many within the racing community see this move as a wise decision. However, it is worth noting that Ferrari has a reputation for hiring drivers in decline and witnessing their exit from the sport. In light of this, a former Formula 1 driver shared his perspective on Hamilton’s decision to make this career change late in his career.
Jacques Villeneuve, a highly respected figure in the racing world, praised Lewis Hamilton for his exceptional performances throughout his career, acclaiming him as the “greatest of all time” in Formula 1 history. Villeneuve also highlighted the fact that Hamilton is now joining the team with the most prominent image in the sport.
However, the 53-year-old Villeneuve did not fail to point out the possible disadvantages of joining Ferrari at this stage of Hamilton’s career. He emphasized that Maranello, Ferrari’s headquarters, can be a chaotic and politically charged environment due to the passionate support the team receives from Italian fans. This intense emotional connection often leads to quick and severe judgments.
In Ferrari, Hamilton will be partnered with [driver’s name], replacing [previous driver’s name]. This means that a highly experienced driver will be pitted against a relatively less experienced one. Villeneuve pointed out that this scenario differs from previous cases where drivers joined Ferrari without many wins on their record. He suggested that Leclerc, although still building his reputation, has not yet shown his full potential. Consequently, the battle between these two drivers promises to be intriguing. Villeneuve also raised questions about Hamilton’s ability to compete against Leclerc, who has the potential to become a world champion.
The significant difference in background between Hamilton and Leclerc guarantees maximum excitement for fans. Hamilton, a Formula 1 veteran since 2007, is widely considered one of the best drivers in history. On the other hand, Leclerc has shown glimpses of his talent and capabilities. Taking all these factors into consideration, the F1 season of 2025 promises to be a captivating spectacle.
