Jeremy Clarkson has never shied away from bold opinions, and his recent remarks about Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari are no exception. As the seven-time F1 World Champion prepares for his debut season with the Scuderia, Clarkson has stirred the pot by questioning Hamilton’s motives and suggesting the Briton may be “past his prime.”
Hamilton’s Ferrari Adventure
The excitement around Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has reached a fever pitch. The 40-year-old, adorned in the famous red of Maranello, recently completed a test run in Ferrari’s 2022 F1-75 at Fiorano, with fans and media alike captivated by the spectacle. His social media presence—highlighted by a viral photo of him standing beside a Ferrari F40—has only added to the anticipation.
Yet, Clarkson, writing in The Sun, has cast doubt over Hamilton’s intentions, hinting that the superstar may have joined Ferrari not purely for competitive reasons but for the allure of driving for the sport’s most iconic team.
Clarkson’s Critique: Superstar vs. Driver
Clarkson’s column paints Hamilton as more of a global celebrity than a gritty racer. “Instead of getting down to work at the factory from day one,” Clarkson noted, “he turned up in a suit and tie, posed for pictures, and entertained fans.” This, according to Clarkson, raises the question: Is Hamilton still the driven competitor he once was, or has he shifted focus toward cementing his legacy as a global icon?
Further, Clarkson pointed to Hamilton’s decision to live in Milan—rather than closer to Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters—as evidence of a potentially more distant approach. “He doesn’t even commute in a Ferrari road car,” Clarkson quipped, referencing Hamilton’s choice of a Fiat helicopter for travel.
The Challenge Ahead
Clarkson’s skepticism isn’t limited to Hamilton’s motives. He also questioned whether Hamilton can match his new teammate, Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver, fluent in Italian and deeply entrenched in the Ferrari culture, is considered one of the fastest over a single lap. According to Clarkson, Leclerc’s familiarity with the team and raw pace may put Hamilton on the back foot—a stark contrast to the dominance Hamilton often enjoyed at Mercedes.
Past His Prime?
The most cutting part of Clarkson’s critique is the suggestion that Hamilton, now 40, may no longer be at his peak. “Maybe he knows he’s past his prime,” Clarkson wrote, positing that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari might be about fulfilling a lifelong dream rather than securing an elusive eighth world title.
Fans and Critics React
Clarkson’s comments have divided opinion. Fans of Hamilton argue that the Briton’s move to Ferrari is a bold and ambitious step, while detractors echo Clarkson’s sentiment that Hamilton’s best days might be behind him.
Social media lit up with responses, with one fan tweeting, “Clarkson always underestimates Hamilton. Watch him prove everyone wrong again,” while another commented, “Ferrari’s no place for ego trips. If Lewis doesn’t deliver, Leclerc will.”
Clarkson’s Final Thought
Despite his pointed criticisms, Clarkson wished Hamilton well, acknowledging the magnitude of his move to Ferrari. Whether Hamilton’s arrival in Maranello is about chasing glory or savoring the prestige of racing for Ferrari, one thing is certain: the 2025 F1 season promises to be one of the most closely watched in recent history.
For Hamilton, the challenge is clear—prove doubters like Clarkson wrong and show that even at 40, he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
