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Hamilton’s Ferrari Gamble: F1 Veteran Viladelprat Warns of Political and Performance Challenges

Publisher by Publisher
February 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 7 mins read
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Hamilton’s Ferrari Gamble: F1 Veteran Viladelprat Warns of Political and Performance Challenges

The biggest driver switch in recent F1 history—Lewis Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari—has left the paddock buzzing with speculation. But according to Joan Villadelprat, a former key figure at McLaren, Benetton, and Ferrari, Hamilton’s road at the Scuderia won’t be smooth.

In a candid interview with El Confidencial, Villadelprat dissected the risks, politics, and performance hurdles that Hamilton will face in Maranello, drawing comparisons to past Ferrari champions and questioning whether the seven-time world champion will thrive or struggle.


Why Did Ferrari Replace Sainz?

Villadelprat admitted he was stunned by Ferrari’s decision to replace Carlos Sainz with Hamilton, stating:

“Ferrari had a very balanced line-up with two extremely fast drivers. Sometimes Carlos won, sometimes Charles [Leclerc] did. In races, Carlos was even better at times.”

While he acknowledges that Hamilton’s signing is a massive marketing coup, he warns that performance will dictate everything at Ferrari.

“If Hamilton has a winning car, he will take down Leclerc and win the title. But if the car isn’t good enough, Leclerc will be quicker, and Hamilton will struggle.”


Hamilton’s Mentality: Does He Still Have the Hunger?

Villadelprat raised concerns about Hamilton’s level of motivation, noting that he has many interests outside of F1—from music to fashion.

“Hamilton has nothing left to prove. His legacy is secure. If the car is competitive, he will be motivated. But if it’s not, I don’t see him taking big risks, unlike drivers who feel the constant need to prove themselves.”

However, Villadelprat dismissed concerns about Hamilton’s age (40 in 2025), pointing to Fernando Alonso’s ongoing competitiveness at 43.

“It’s not about age; it’s about mentality and hunger. Today’s cars aren’t as physically demanding as before. If Hamilton has a car that can win, he will still have the hunger. If not, it will be difficult.”


Qualifying Could Make or Break Hamilton at Ferrari

One of Hamilton’s biggest challenges at Ferrari will be one-lap pace. Leclerc has been one of the best qualifiers in F1, while Hamilton has been inconsistent since the start of the ground-effect era in 2022.

“If Leclerc beats Hamilton in qualifying regularly, it will put Hamilton on the back foot in races. Hamilton has more to lose—if Leclerc is beaten, it’s by a seven-time world champion. But if Leclerc wins, it’s a huge statement.”


Ferrari’s Internal Politics: A New Challenge for Hamilton

Ferrari is notoriously political, and Villadelprat warned that Hamilton might struggle to assert himself inside the team.

“Leclerc is very strong politically at Ferrari. He’s the golden boy, and many within the team expect him to be quicker. Hamilton is not a political driver, but he will expect the status of a seven-time world champion.”

The dynamic within the team will be brutally simple, according to Villadelprat:

“If you are faster than Leclerc, you are number one. If not, it will be tough for Hamilton to assert himself.”

And history hasn’t been kind to past champions at Ferrari.

“With Fernando [Alonso], it was team mistakes, poor strategy calls, and instability. With Vettel, Ferrari was never in a position to win consistently. Ferrari today is stronger, but managing Hamilton and Leclerc will be a huge challenge.”


Sainz’s Ferrari Exit: Did He Make the Right Move?

Villadelprat also weighed in on Sainz’s decision to join Williams, calling it a confusing choice.

“Sainz worked hard to get Ferrari competitive, only to be pushed out. And then he chose Williams? I find that hard to understand.”

He also suggested that Red Bull had no interest in hiring Sainz because Max Verstappen vetoed the idea.

“After Red Bull let go of Checo [Pérez], a seat was available there. But Verstappen didn’t want him.”

Villadelprat believes Sainz will have a tough year in 2025 unless Williams makes a major performance leap.


Mercedes’ Gamble on Antonelli Over Sainz

Another puzzling move, according to Villadelprat, was Mercedes choosing 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli over Sainz as Hamilton’s replacement.

“Antonelli has potential, but he hasn’t shown it yet, not even in Formula 2. Maybe Mercedes sees something we don’t, but Carlos would have been a much safer bet.”


Aston Martin’s Future: The Dark Horse in 2025?

On Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin, Villadelprat expressed optimism, noting that the team is finally reaching a critical point in its development.

“The wind tunnel is ready, the factory is complete, and Adrian Newey could provide technical insights. Aston Martin has real potential to be a title contender.”


F1’s Direction: Why Villadelprat is Frustrated with the Modern Era

While Villadelprat is still passionate about F1, he expressed growing frustration with the sport’s current state.

“The strict regulations mean all cars look the same. If we painted them all black, no one would know which was which.”

He also criticized the corporate control over teams and drivers, saying:

“The sport has become so controlled that teams and even drivers are restricted in what they can say. Every day, F1 is moving further away from what I used to love about it.”


Will Hamilton’s Ferrari Move Be a Masterstroke or a Disaster?

🚨 If Ferrari delivers a title-winning car, Hamilton could defy expectations and win an eighth championship.
🚨 If the car isn’t fast enough, Leclerc will have the upper hand, and Hamilton could struggle to find his place within the team.
🚨 Ferrari’s internal politics will play a huge role in determining Hamilton’s fate.

One thing is certain: Ferrari’s Hamilton-Leclerc lineup will be one of the most explosive pairings in modern F1 history.

And if Villadelprat’s predictions are right, Hamilton’s Ferrari dream could either be legendary—or short-lived.

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