Formula 1 is on the verge of witnessing its most marketable moment in history, according to former Ferrari race winner Gerhard Berger. With Lewis Hamilton’s shocking move to Ferrari, the seven-time world champion has set himself up for one final, career-defining challenge—winning an unprecedented eighth title in the legendary red suit.
“If Hamilton could become World Champion in a Ferrari, that would be the greatest thing that has ever happened in Formula 1 in terms of marketing,” Berger boldly declared.
Could Hamilton’s Ferrari fairytale be the biggest storyline the sport has ever seen?
The Ultimate Championship Bid: Can Ferrari End Its Title Drought?
Hamilton’s switch to Maranello marks the beginning of a high-stakes revival project. Ferrari, despite being F1’s most iconic team, hasn’t won a Drivers’ Championship since 2007 and last secured a Constructors’ title in 2008. The Scuderia came agonizingly close last season but ultimately fell short of McLaren’s resurgence.
Now, with Hamilton alongside Charles Leclerc, Ferrari believes it has found the winning formula—a blend of championship-winning experience and blistering raw talent.
Berger, who secured four Grand Prix victories with Ferrari, is confident in team principal Fred Vasseur’s leadership and backs Ferrari to finally return to the top in 2025.
“I would put my money on Ferrari this season,” Berger told Auto Motor und Sport. “I can’t say whether Hamilton or Leclerc will win the Drivers’ or Constructors’ World Championship, but they will win a title.”
Is Hamilton Still at His Peak? Berger Weighs In
At 40 years old, some have questioned whether Hamilton is still at his best. His final season at Mercedes saw George Russell out-qualify him 19 times in 24 races, raising concerns about a potential age-related decline.
But Berger believes Hamilton wasn’t declining—he was demotivated.
“I think Hamilton needs new motivation,” Berger explained. “The Mercedes has only been a winning car on exceptional occasions. Finishing fifth is not a result that motivates Hamilton.”
Berger argues that Ferrari’s competitive environment will reignite Hamilton’s hunger, pushing him back to his championship-winning form.
“He’ll have to grit his teeth again at Ferrari and could well be at his best once more,” he added.
Leclerc vs. Hamilton: A Ferrari Civil War Incoming?
While Berger is optimistic about Ferrari’s chances, he warns that Hamilton may struggle against Leclerc’s raw pace. The Monegasque driver, now entering his seventh season with Ferrari, is deeply embedded in the team and has already established himself as a leader within the Scuderia.
“It’s going to be a very tight race,” Berger admitted. “Leclerc’s speed will be a big challenge for Hamilton.”
The internal battle between the two drivers could define Ferrari’s title run in 2025. Will Hamilton’s experience and racecraft give him the edge? Or will Leclerc’s homegrown Ferrari status and raw speed make him the ultimate challenger?
A Storyline Bigger Than Schumacher’s Ferrari Era?
The weight of Hamilton’s Ferrari move goes beyond just racing—it’s a marketing goldmine. Berger believes this moment could eclipse even Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari dominance, rewriting the history books in real-time.
“This is the most publicized event in F1 history,” Berger declared. “Hamilton winning with Ferrari would be the biggest storyline the sport has ever seen.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Can Hamilton break the all-time championship record in Ferrari red? Or will Leclerc stop him before he even gets the chance?
One thing is certain—the world will be watching.
