When the headlines broke in February 2024, announcing Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, it felt like the final chapter of a legendary partnership with Mercedes. Together, they reshaped Formula 1 history, claiming titles and wins with an air of inevitability. Yet, the sport waits for no one, and for Hamilton, the allure of Ferrari—its legacy, its mystique, and the tantalizing prospect of an eighth world title—proved irresistible.
Villeneuve’s Perspective: Hamilton Needs the Right Car
1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve weighed in on what it will take for Hamilton to succeed in Ferrari red. For the seven-time champion, Villeneuve believes the key will lie in having a car capable of delivering wins from the outset. Unlike his years at Mercedes, where Hamilton played a significant role in shaping the team’s direction, Ferrari’s 2025 challenger will be a creation he had no hand in developing.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” Villeneuve mused. “On one hand, it relieves him of the burden of having influenced the car, but on the other, he must adapt to something completely unfamiliar. If Ferrari gets it right, Hamilton could thrive. If not, he may struggle with the same self-doubt that plagued him during Mercedes’ recent decline.”
The Leclerc Factor: Teammate or Rival?
The dynamic between Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will undoubtedly shape Ferrari’s fortunes. Leclerc, the Scuderia’s “golden boy,” has already shown his ability to outshine even seasoned champions, as he did with Sebastian Vettel in 2019. Villeneuve predicts that Leclerc, now 27 and hungry for his first title, will be relentless.
“Charles will want to prove he’s the undisputed leader of Ferrari. For Hamilton, though, the motivation is different. He’s chasing a legacy—an eighth title and the chance to become the only driver in history to win with both McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari. It’s a clash of generations and ambitions, and it’s bound to be fascinating.”
Sacrificing Sainz: A Calculated Risk
Ferrari’s decision to part ways with Carlos Sainz to make room for Hamilton was controversial but, according to Villeneuve, inevitable. Sainz had been instrumental in stabilizing Ferrari and consistently delivered strong results. However, the allure of pairing Hamilton with Leclerc was too great for Ferrari to ignore.
“You don’t regret picking Lewis Hamilton,” Villeneuve said firmly. “Ferrari has invested heavily in Leclerc, so Sainz was always the odd man out. But with Hamilton, they gain a proven winner—a driver who could elevate the team in ways few others could.”
The Stakes for Hamilton
The move to Ferrari represents both a fresh start and an immense challenge for Hamilton. Villeneuve highlighted the stakes: “It’s make or break. If he adapts quickly and the car is competitive, we could see Hamilton at his absolute best. But if the car struggles or if tensions rise within the team, the fairy tale could turn into a nightmare.”
For Hamilton, the road to an eighth title will likely run through not only the Ferrari garage but also through the Verstappen-dominated Red Bull team and a resurgent McLaren. He’ll need to dig deep, embracing the passion and intensity of Ferrari while silencing the ghosts of recent disappointments.
Villeneuve’s Prediction
Villeneuve remains optimistic about Hamilton’s prospects, provided the stars align: “If Ferrari can deliver a car that works for him and if he feels truly embraced by the team, we could see marvels. But the first few races will be crucial. If he falters early, doubts could creep in.”
As Hamilton prepares to debut in Ferrari red, the stakes have never been higher. With 105 Grand Prix wins and seven world titles to his name, he’s already a legend. But an eighth title, won with Ferrari, would cement his status as the greatest of all time. The journey begins in Melbourne. Can Hamilton deliver the ultimate fairytale? Time will tell.
