Lewis Hamilton, the third-place finisher in the Canadian Grand Prix, is set to join Ferrari in 2025, according to Fernando Alonso. Alonso believes that Hamilton’s addition to the team will provide the necessary boost for Ferrari to end their prolonged Formula 1 title drought. Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes, where he has spent his entire F1 career, came as a surprise to many, including Alonso. The move was unexpected due to the perception that Hamilton was loyal to Mercedes. Alonso, who was training at the time of the announcement, admitted that he didn’t pay much attention to the news and is curious to learn the reasons behind Hamilton’s decision.
Alonso had the opportunity to drive for Ferrari from 2010 to 2014 but was unable to secure a championship due to the dominant performances of Red Bull and later Mercedes.
Red Bull has now regained its status as the leading force in Formula 1 after the introduction of ground effect aero in 2022. They have achieved 39 victories out of 44 races and consecutive title wins.
However, Ferrari was the only team to challenge the champions and consistently posed a threat during qualifying sessions.
With Ferrari experiencing a championship drought since 2008, Alonso believes that the seven-time champion, Hamilton, could provide the extra edge needed to push the team to victory.
When asked for advice for his former McLaren teammate, Alonso replied, “I don’t know. It wasn’t his dream a year ago or even two months ago, as it was a different dream. I don’t have much to say about it.”
“I hope he enjoys the experience. Ferrari is a very special team, but it becomes even more special when you win. They have had a fast car for several years and have been competing for major achievements. Perhaps Lewis can bring that extra element to fight for the championship.”
“The car is there. Even with Red Bull’s dominant car last year, Ferrari was still able to match their lap times and often outpace them in qualifying. I believe the car is fast enough.”
Both Hamilton and Carlos Sainz, who will be replaced by Hamilton at Ferrari, will have to complete the upcoming season with their current teams before making the switch.
This situation is similar to what Alonso experienced when he signed with McLaren for the 2007 season while defending his title with Renault.
“I don’t know, for me it didn’t make much of a difference,” Alonso responded when asked about the positives and negatives of confirming the move now.
“In 2006, I started the season with Renault in a very good atmosphere and with a strong relationship with the team. It didn’t change much for me personally.”
“It did change things a bit for the team because they started focusing on testing and developing for the following year midway through the season, and I wasn’t involved in those plans. But that was understandable.”
“So from a driver’s perspective, it doesn’t change much. The team may have some adjustments to make in the second half of the year.”
Despite the revelation that Hamilton’s Mercedes contract prohibits him from taking engineers to Ferrari, there is still a possibility that personnel could be recruited from other teams, including Aston Martin.
When asked about this potential development and the involvement of Aston Martin members, Alonso replied, “Hmm, I don’t know. I have no information, and I don’t care about what Lewis Hamilton is doing.”
According to the Source motorsportweek.com