Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari for 2025 sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world—and even Sir Jackie Stewart admitted he was caught off guard by the seven-time champion’s decision.
The F1 icon and three-time world champion revealed that he once had a similar opportunity to join Ferrari, but ultimately turned it down before his retirement in 1973.
“I was surprised he was going there, but I nearly went to Ferrari and chose not to do it in the end. But in that time, the old man [Enzo Ferrari] was a tough cookie.”
Unlike Stewart, Hamilton has taken the plunge—leaving behind a decade-long legacy at Mercedes to chase one final chapter with the most legendary team in motorsport.
Hamilton’s Ferrari Gamble: A Risk Worth Taking?
At 40 years old, Hamilton isn’t just making a career move—he’s making a statement.
🔴 Ferrari is still the most iconic brand in F1.
🔴 A title with Ferrari would cement his GOAT status.
🔴 After Mercedes’ struggles, he needed a fresh challenge.
For Stewart, this move isn’t just about nostalgia or prestige—it’s about winning.
“Going to Ferrari is very colorful, very exciting, and usually very successful. So I wouldn’t count him out, put it that way.”
Can Hamilton Bring Ferrari Back to Glory?
Ferrari’s last Drivers’ Championship came in 2007 with Kimi Räikkönen—16 years of near-misses and heartbreak since. Now, Hamilton is tasked with bringing the Prancing Horse back to its winning ways alongside Charles Leclerc.
🚀 Hamilton’s Experience: Stewart believes Hamilton’s vast knowledge of F1’s inner workings will be crucial.
“He’s more experienced than he was last year, and he knows the business very well.”
🌍 Ferrari’s Global Power: Stewart emphasized that Ferrari’s brand power is unmatched, even among people with no ties to motorsport.
“Ferrari is the biggest name in the world. If you went to a Maasai warrior in Africa and said, ‘Do you know anything about Ferrari?’, they would know the name Ferrari.”
Final Verdict: Can Hamilton Make History?
The stakes couldn’t be higher—if Hamilton delivers a title, it would be one of the greatest stories in F1 history.
Stewart, for one, isn’t betting against him.
“I wouldn’t count him out.”
And with a revived Ferrari team hungry for success, Hamilton’s biggest challenge yet might also be his most rewarding.
