Ferrari, the most iconic name in top-tier motor racing, has finalized an agreement for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to join their team starting in the 2025 season. With Mercedes currently facing difficulties, many within the racing community view this move as a wise decision. However, it is worth noting that Ferrari has a reputation for signing drivers past their prime and subsequently witnessing their departure from the sport. In light of this, a former Formula 1 driver has shared his perspective on Hamilton’s decision to make this late-career move.
Jacques Villeneuve, a highly respected figure in the racing world, commended Lewis Hamilton for his exceptional performances throughout his career, hailing him as the “greatest of all time” in Formula 1 history. Villeneuve also highlighted the fact that Hamilton is now joining the team with the most prominent image in the sport.
Nevertheless, the 53-year-old Villeneuve did not shy away from pointing out the potential drawbacks of joining Ferrari at this stage of Hamilton’s career. He emphasized that Maranello, the headquarters of Ferrari, can be a chaotic and politically charged environment due to the passionate support the team receives from Italian fans. This intense emotional connection often leads to swift and harsh judgments.
At Ferrari, Hamilton will be paired with [driver’s name], replacing [previous driver’s name]. This means that a highly experienced driver will be pitted against a relatively less experienced one. Villeneuve noted that this scenario differs from previous instances where drivers joined Ferrari without many victories under their belt. He suggested that Leclerc, although still developing his reputation, has yet to fully showcase his potential. Consequently, the battle between these two drivers promises to be intriguing. Villeneuve also raised questions about Hamilton’s ability to compete against Leclerc, who has the potential to become a world champion.
The stark contrast in backgrounds between Hamilton and Leclerc guarantees maximum excitement for fans. Hamilton, a veteran of Formula 1 since 2007, is widely regarded as one of the best drivers in history. On the other hand, Leclerc has shown glimpses of his talent and capabilities. Taking all these factors into account, the 2025 F1 season is set to be a captivating spectacle.