Ferrari delivered crucial Hamilton ‘risk’ warning…read more
Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has cautioned the Italian team about the potential risks of signing Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Montezemolo, who led Ferrari through a successful era, expressed concerns that Hamilton’s arrival could create internal challenges, particularly regarding the team’s current star driver, Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari was confirmed in February 2024. After spending 12 seasons at Mercedes, the seven-time world champion is seeking a new challenge with the Maranello-based team, a long-held dream for the British driver. He is set to replace Carlos Sainz, who will move to Williams. Ferrari enters the 2025 season in strong shape, having finished second in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship after a competitive battle with McLaren.
Despite the positive momentum, Montezemolo warned that Hamilton’s presence could create tensions within the team. He pointed out that while Hamilton is an exceptional driver, comparable to Max Verstappen in terms of his talent and success, he is joining Ferrari with high expectations. Hamilton’s goal is clear: to win his eighth World Championship and end his illustrious career with Ferrari, which could potentially overshadow Leclerc, who has not yet secured a championship victory despite strong individual performances.
Montezemolo acknowledged the strength of both Leclerc and his predecessor, Carlos Sainz, stating that Ferrari’s issues in recent years have not been due to driver performance. However, he emphasized that Hamilton’s arrival could create a delicate dynamic, as Leclerc, who is still in the early stages of his career, may feel the pressure of a seasoned champion joining the team.
Montezemolo also outlined that Ferrari’s future success depends on several factors, including closing the performance gap with McLaren and developing a car that can win in diverse conditions. He stressed the importance of internal team clarity and management, noting that both technical and strategic cohesion will be crucial for the team’s championship aspirations.
In conclusion, while the signing of Hamilton is a significant and exciting development for Ferrari, Montezemolo warned that it could also pose risks in terms of team dynamics and the balance between the drivers. The coming season will be a pivotal one for Ferrari as they strive to be competitive from the start and fulfill the championship aspirations of their new star driver.
