Montezemolo WARNS Hamilton’s Ferrari Move Could Be a Risk due to…read more
Luca di Montezemolo, former president of Ferrari, has expressed caution about the potential risks involved in replacing Carlos Sainz with Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 Formula 1 season and beyond. Although Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has generated significant excitement, especially with his status as a seven-time world champion, Montezemolo believes that it might not be a straightforward transition.
With the 2024 season now concluded, Hamilton, at 39 years old, struggled with both performance and motivation, potentially impacting his confidence on the track. The prospect of pairing him with Ferrari’s current star, Charles Leclerc, has sparked considerable debate within F1 circles.
Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko commented on the potential rivalry between Hamilton and Leclerc, noting that Hamilton could still be competitive if the car performs well. Marko pointed out that Hamilton thrives when he feels the car has podium potential but can become demotivated if the car doesn’t deliver. He added that the British driver is unlikely to push for minor finishes if he believes the car can’t challenge for top positions.
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya also weighed in, suggesting that while Hamilton might initially struggle with the adjustment to Ferrari, especially in the early races, he could quickly find his rhythm if the car is competitive. Montoya believes that Hamilton’s speed would become evident after a few races, and he could once again contend for championships.
Marc Surer, another former F1 driver, highlighted the marketing advantages for Ferrari with Hamilton on board, noting that his presence would undoubtedly boost the brand’s global appeal and increase car sales.
However, Montezemolo’s perspective focuses on the deeper implications of this partnership. Having spent decades with Ferrari, he believes that the decision to bring Hamilton on board is not just about marketing but also about the potential challenges of incorporating such a high-profile driver into the team. He acknowledges the excitement surrounding the move but warns that the collaboration might carry risks that Ferrari must carefully navigate.
As speculation continues to grow, the future of Hamilton and Ferrari remains a hot topic, with many questions surrounding how he will adjust to the team and whether he can reignite his championship-winning form.
