As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, Lewis Hamilton is set to begin a highly anticipated chapter of his illustrious career with Scuderia Ferrari. For the seven-time world champion, this partnership with the Maranello-based team could mark the final stop in his F1 journey—a move steeped in history and emotion.
Legendary ex-Ferrari driver Jacky Ickx believes Hamilton’s decision aligns with the allure that Ferrari holds for all drivers, calling it a natural conclusion for one of the sport’s greats.
Ferrari: A Driver’s Ultimate Dream
Jacky Ickx, who enjoyed a celebrated career with Ferrari in the 1970s, reflected on the emotional pull of racing for the iconic Italian team. According to Ickx, Ferrari has an almost mythical ability to “dye a driver’s heart red,” leaving an indelible mark on those who represent the Scuderia.
“If life is well made, and if you have the opportunity to do the things you like, it is easy because it does not work anymore,” Ickx said. “But it is clear that if you are at Ferrari for a few years and then other brands for 10 years or more, if you speak Ferrari, clearly your heart is tainted red at the end.”
Hamilton’s Long-Awaited Ferrari Chapter
Ickx believes Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is more than just a career decision—it’s a statement of legacy. “I can see that even Lewis is attracted to be there for the end of his career,” Ickx remarked. “Honestly, it is fantastic because only he knows what he can do and where he wants to go.”
Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes, where he reigned supreme for nearly a decade, to Ferrari has ignited unprecedented excitement among fans and the team alike. As Ferrari’s new star, Hamilton will test the limits of the SF-25, stepping into the seat of one of F1’s most storied teams.
Ferrari’s Crew: Balancing Excitement and Focus
Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur acknowledged the electrifying energy surrounding Hamilton’s arrival. “Everybody all over the world is excited, and for sure, the mechanics are also excited,” Vasseur admitted. However, he stressed the importance of channeling that excitement into productivity. “After day one, we’ll have to turn this page and be focused on the job.”
Ferrari enters 2025 on the back of a resurgence in performance during the 2024 season, providing a strong foundation for Hamilton’s arrival. The Scuderia hopes to capitalize on this momentum to deliver a car capable of ending their championship drought.
Hamilton and Ferrari: A Perfect Finale?
Hamilton’s Ferrari move mirrors the paths of other F1 legends who ended their careers with the iconic team, such as Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. For Hamilton, it’s a chance to cement his legacy while chasing an eighth world championship—an achievement that would make him the sport’s most decorated driver.
Ickx sees the partnership as symbolic, not just for Hamilton but for Ferrari. “It’s always exciting to have someone who is a seven-time World Champion in the car,” Ickx noted, underscoring the mutual benefits of the collaboration.
A Season to Watch
The 2025 season promises to be a pivotal one for both Hamilton and Ferrari. With the Briton’s experience and drive, combined with Ferrari’s recent performance improvements, the Scuderia may finally return to the championship-winning form that has eluded them for years.
As Hamilton dons the iconic red overalls, fans worldwide will be watching to see if this historic pairing can bring Ferrari back to the pinnacle of motorsport and solidify Hamilton’s place among the legends.
