The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will mark the end of an era as Lewis Hamilton steps away from Mercedes to join Ferrari—a move that’s rocked the Formula 1 world. With the seven-time champion set to partner Charles Leclerc, Red Bull’s Christian Horner is already predicting that Hamilton will be a strong title contender in 2025, even as he faces the unique challenges of adapting to Ferrari’s iconic but demanding environment.
For Hamilton, this is the boldest team switch since his 2012 departure from McLaren to Mercedes. Leaving the familiarity of Brackley for the legendary Maranello squad, he will find himself alongside Leclerc, Ferrari’s star driver, who famously outperformed Sebastian Vettel in 2020.
Horner acknowledges the challenge of switching from the stability of Mercedes to Ferrari’s high-stakes, high-pressure culture, but he sees Hamilton’s move as a calculated one. “For sure it will be a big change for Lewis,” Horner said. “But Ferrari is in good shape, and I’m sure a driver with Lewis’s qualities should always be a title contender.”
Hamilton’s move comes at a time of resurgence for Ferrari, with five wins this season and both drivers having achieved pole positions. Under the guidance of team principal Frederic Vasseur, the team has shown significant progress, making Ferrari an attractive new home for Hamilton as Mercedes grapples with performance issues. The W15 has struggled with balance, porpoising issues, and a lack of consistent speed, leaving Hamilton and Mercedes at best the third-fastest team.
After 11 years of unprecedented success with Mercedes, Hamilton’s departure is also paving the way for young talent Kimi Antonelli, while former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz heads to Williams to partner with Alex Albon. This reshuffling adds even more intrigue to the 2025 grid as the paddock eagerly anticipates Hamilton’s journey with the Scuderia.
Hamilton has closely watched Ferrari’s upward trajectory this season, sharing his enthusiasm for his new team’s improvements. “I’m very interested in my future,” Hamilton told the media, “keeping an eye [on Ferrari]…it’s been quite incredible to see Ferrari’s progress. Just trying to keep an eye on everyone’s car and what they’re changing.”
As Hamilton gears up for what is likely his final chapter in F1, fans and rivals alike will be watching to see if he can bring Ferrari back to its former glory and claim one more championship.
