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Mika Hakkinen urges Lewis Hamilton to confront Ferrari on his performance ceiling as new chapter begins

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
January 7, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Mika Hakkinen urges Lewis Hamilton to confront Ferrari on his performance ceiling as new chapter begins

Nov 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team driver Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain (44) arrives for the Las Vegas Grand Prix drivers parade at the Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

As Lewis Hamilton prepares for his highly anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025, former F1 champion Mika Hakkinen has advised the seven-time world champion to have an honest conversation with the Scuderia about his performance capabilities. Amid a challenging 2024 campaign, questions loom over Hamilton’s ability to return to his championship-winning form.

A dream move under scrutiny

Hamilton’s partnership with Ferrari, announced to global fanfare last year, represents the realization of a childhood dream. Driving for Ferrari, the most storied team in Formula 1, is a pinnacle achievement for any driver. However, the Briton’s underwhelming 2024 season—where he finished a career-worst seventh in the Drivers’ Championship—has raised doubts about his ability to deliver at Maranello.

Though much of Hamilton’s struggles were attributed to the uncooperative Mercedes W15, his disappointing results have sparked debate about whether his time at the top is nearing an end.

Hakkinen’s advice: Speak up

Mika Hakkinen, a two-time world champion, reflected on his own experiences and urged Hamilton to be transparent with Ferrari about his expectations and performance ceiling.

“If something similar has happened to him, he has to speak,” Hakkinen said. “He’s the right person to answer that, but he has committed now for the future. So, I’m sure he will work on it to get things right for this year.”

Hakkinen’s remarks echo the sentiments of many in the paddock who believe Hamilton must assert himself early to ensure Ferrari provides him with a competitive car and an environment that fosters success.

Settling in at Maranello

Despite the scrutiny, Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has been met with enthusiasm. The team’s leadership is eager to make the Briton feel at home, hoping to unlock the same fire and determination he brought to Mercedes in 2013—a move that ultimately yielded six titles.

Hamilton, too, is optimistic about the transition. “It takes time to build new relationships and learn the tools and everything,” he said. “Coming into next year [2025] with that same focus, that same might that I had when I joined Mercedes and with ultimately that leap of faith, I think is exciting and exhilarating.”

The Leclerc factor: A brewing intra-team rivalry

Hamilton’s path to dominance at Ferrari won’t come without obstacles. Chief among them is Charles Leclerc, who has long been the Scuderia’s golden boy. The Monegasque driver, determined to retain his status as Ferrari’s top priority, is unlikely to relinquish his position without a fight.

This potential intra-team rivalry could mirror Hamilton’s early years at Mercedes, where he battled Nico Rosberg for supremacy. However, Ferrari’s leadership will need to strike a balance to ensure the team functions cohesively while fostering healthy competition.

2025: A make-or-break season

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari represents both an opportunity and a challenge. With his reputation as the GOAT of Formula 1 on the line, the 39-year-old must prove he still has the hunger and skill to contend for championships.

While the paddock buzzes with speculation about his future, Hamilton remains focused on making history at Maranello. His success will depend not only on his own performance but also on Ferrari’s ability to deliver a car capable of competing with Red Bull and McLaren.

A legacy in the making

As Hamilton embarks on this new chapter, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If he succeeds, he’ll cement his legacy as the greatest driver in Formula 1 history. If he falters, questions about his decision to leave Mercedes will linger.

For now, all eyes are on Hamilton as he prepares to don the iconic red overalls and take on the challenge of bringing Ferrari back to championship glory.

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