Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, reigniting hope among the Tifosi that the seven-time world champion can restore the Italian team to its former glory. However, as the dust settles on Hamilton’s dramatic switch from Mercedes, both he and Ferrari are setting realistic expectations for the 2025 season, acknowledging that a title-winning campaign is likely a season or two away.
Hamilton’s Maranello debut: A symbolic start with measured optimism
Hamilton made his first visit to Ferrari’s iconic Maranello headquarters with all the fanfare you’d expect from a partnership between two of F1’s most legendary names. After a long-awaited on-track debut at Fiorano, the Briton has begun familiarizing himself with Ferrari’s team dynamics under Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur. His arrival has already proven to be a commercial juggernaut, with his first Instagram post as a Ferrari driver reportedly generating over $400,000 in value.
But for all the excitement surrounding Hamilton’s new red overalls, even the most optimistic fans must recognize that the 2025 season will likely serve as a transitional year for both Hamilton and Ferrari. The team and its new star driver understand that the road to championship contention is a marathon, not a sprint.
Red Bull dominance and Hamilton’s recent struggles
Ferrari enters the 2025 season facing an uphill battle against Red Bull, which has been the dominant force in Formula 1 since the ground-effect regulations were introduced in 2022. While Ferrari and McLaren managed to surpass Red Bull in the Constructors’ standings last year, the Austrian team remains the benchmark in terms of performance and consistency.
For Hamilton, the challenge is compounded by his struggles with the current generation of F1 cars. Since the 2022 regulation overhaul, he has openly admitted to feeling uncomfortable with the ground-effect designs, which have limited his ability to extract maximum performance. A move to Ferrari may offer a fresh start, but it’s unlikely to erase these difficulties overnight.
Why 2026 is the real target for Hamilton and Ferrari
The 2026 season looms as a pivotal year for Formula 1, with sweeping changes to power unit and chassis regulations. For Ferrari and Hamilton, this reset offers a golden opportunity to close the gap to their rivals. Ferrari’s formidable resources and technical expertise make them a strong candidate to capitalize on the new rules, while Hamilton will have the chance to adapt to a new era of cars that could better suit his driving style.
By 2026, Hamilton will also have had a full season to integrate into Ferrari’s unique work culture, which has historically posed challenges for drivers transitioning from other teams. This acclimation period in 2025 will be critical in laying the groundwork for a serious title bid in the new regulatory era.
What can Ferrari and Hamilton achieve in 2025?
While a full-scale championship challenge may be out of reach, Ferrari and Hamilton are poised to make waves in 2025. Race wins are well within their grasp, especially at circuits where the SF-25’s strengths align with the demands of the track. For Hamilton, the season will also be an opportunity to reassert himself as a race-winning force, silencing critics who have questioned his form in recent years.
Hamilton’s partnership with Charles Leclerc adds another intriguing dimension to Ferrari’s campaign. The dynamic between the experienced Hamilton and the younger Leclerc, who is entering his seventh season with Ferrari, will be a key storyline throughout the year. How the two drivers coexist and push each other will shape Ferrari’s trajectory, both in 2025 and beyond.
A measured approach for the Tifosi
Ferrari fans have every reason to be excited about Hamilton’s arrival, but it’s essential to temper expectations for the upcoming season. The 40-year-old’s quest for an unprecedented eighth world title will likely require patience, with 2026 shaping up as the true litmus test for this historic partnership.
In the meantime, Ferrari and Hamilton can use 2025 as a proving ground to fine-tune their collaboration, secure race victories, and build momentum for a future title challenge. For the Tifosi, the long wait for championship glory may not end just yet—but the seeds of success are undoubtedly being sown.
