In the world of Formula 1, Rob Smedley, a former engineer from Ferrari, expressed his belief in Lewis Hamilton’s ability to help Ferrari in their quest to overthrow Red Bull’s recent dominance. Red Bull has been the leader in terms of race wins under the current regulations, with Ferrari being the only team to break their winning streak in 2023. As Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz show signs of improvement and reach podiums, Hamilton’s early arrival in 2025 is seen as a crucial move that could potentially tip the balance in Ferrari’s favor.
Having spent a decade with Ferrari, Smedley acknowledges the team’s progress but sees the addition of Hamilton as a crucial factor that could provide the small advantages needed for Ferrari to stand out. He highlights the impact of having a driver of Hamilton’s caliber, a seven-time world champion, who can contribute to enhancing the team’s performance in various aspects. According to Smedley, this boost is often all a team on the brink of leadership needs to break through and establish themselves as a dominant force in the sport.
During his interview with PlanetF1.com, Smedley praises the development of Ferrari’s car at the end of the previous year and suggests that Hamilton’s experience and skill could serve as a catalyst for further progress. He fondly recalls his time with Ferrari, when the team turned into a “winning machine,” a status currently held by Red Bull. Smedley points out that Red Bull’s consistent success stems from a culture that is not familiar with defeat, a characteristic shared by previously dominant teams like Mercedes.
With the 2025 regulations expected to remain stable, Smedley argues that a significant change, such as Hamilton moving to Ferrari, is necessary to challenge Red Bull’s supremacy. Carlos Sainz addresses Ferrari’s concerns. He describes Hamilton’s move as a potential “market force” that could alter the competitive landscape, motivating Ferrari to secure race wins and potentially disrupt Red Bull’s dominance. Smedley also acknowledges Red Bull’s achievements, emphasizing the importance of competition and the principle of meritocracy in Formula 1. He states that it is up to rival teams to face the challenge and match Red Bull’s performance, highlighting the equal opportunities available in the sport.
