Hamilton surprised the world of motorsport earlier this year when he announced that he would be joining Scuderia Ferrari starting from the 2025 season. The 39-year-old achieved remarkable success with his current team Mercedes, winning six out of his seven Drivers’ Championships during his 12-year tenure with the Brackley-based outfit. While this news came as a surprise to many, Hamilton has always considered driving for the Italian team as a lifelong dream. His ultimate goal is to secure an eighth World Title and surpass Michael Schumacher as the most successful and decorated F1 driver in history.
However, it appears unlikely that Hamilton will achieve his eighth Drivers’ Crown with Mercedes. Since the implementation of ground-effect regulations in 2022, the Silver/Black Arrows have fallen behind in the standings, allowing Red Bull to dominate the field. Can Hamilton reverse his recent struggles and find success at Ferrari? Former F1 driver Mark Blundell certainly hopes so.
In an interview with AceOdds, Blundell expressed his excitement about seeing another British driver in the Scuderia Ferrari. He stated, “It’s a great development for Formula One in many aspects. Having a Brit back in Ferrari is fantastic for British motorsport. This move can be considered one of the most significant marketing deals in the pit lane, even before they have raced together. The impact of potentially increasing Ferrari’s stock price by 6 or 7 billion is truly impressive.”
When asked about Hamilton’s chances of winning in the iconic Ferrari red, Blundell believes that another Championship victory is unlikely but is still eager to witness the veteran’s performance. He remarked, “The question remains, can he excel while driving a red car, which is every boyhood dream and every Formula One driver’s aspiration? I think winning Grand Prix races and securing a World Championship in a Ferrari will be an extremely challenging task. It won’t be easy, and I hope Hamilton still possesses the motivation and determination to pursue that goal. That’s the most crucial aspect for me.”
Expectations for both Hamilton and Ferrari will be sky-high, but Blundell advises fans to temper their hopes to avoid potential disappointment. The 57-year-old emphasized, “Everyone has a Ferrari flag, and the same can be said when you mention the name Lewis Hamilton nowadays. It will undoubtedly be a formidable combination, but the expectations will surpass what everyone anticipates.”
Hamilton is embarking on a move reminiscent of Schumacher, who took a risk by switching from Benetton to Ferrari after winning two consecutive Titles with the former. Schumacher implemented several significant changes upon joining Ferrari, enlisting Rory Byrne and Ross Brawn as key figures and reducing the prevalence of nepotism within the Italian team.
Blundell believes that Hamilton could have a similar impact when he joins Ferrari in 2025. When asked about the disparities between Italian and British racing cultures, he expressed, “I believe it’s primarily a matter of heightened passion, if I may use that term. I’m not suggesting that the British lack passion; they certainly possess it. However, I believe there is a greater sense of control.”
“I say this because we are highly organized, driven by engineering principles, and strive to remain composed with a stiff upper lip. On the other hand, the Italians tend to be more fiery, and things can become heated.”
Blundell further asserted, “This is sometimes evident in the Ferrari pit lane, particularly when things become excessive and they struggle to maintain control and handle the situation.”
Regarding Hamilton’s potential influence at Maranello, Blundell added, “I hope that Lewis can bring a sense of tranquility and his unique perspective to the team. He can say, ‘Guys, I have the experience, I know how to win a World Championship; I’ve won plenty of them. Let’s work together and build on our past successes.'”
In the meantime, Hamilton will fulfill the remainder of his contract with Mercedes. The next race will occur at the Albert Park Street Circuit in Australia and is scheduled to commence on March 24th at 04:00 GMT (15:00 local time).