In the realm of Formula 1, Rob Smedley, a former engineer for Ferrari, has voiced his belief in Lewis Hamilton’s ability to aid Ferrari in their quest to overthrow Red Bull’s recent dominance. Red Bull has been the frontrunner in terms of race victories under the current regulations, with Ferrari being the sole team to break their winning streak in 2023. As Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz demonstrate signs of improvement and achieve podium finishes, the anticipated arrival of Hamilton in 2025 is viewed as a pivotal move that could potentially tilt the balance in Ferrari’s favor.
Having spent a decade with Ferrari, Smedley acknowledges the team’s progress but deems Hamilton’s addition as a crucial factor that could provide the slight advantages needed for Ferrari to excel. He highlights the impact of having a driver of Hamilton’s caliber, a seven-time World Champion, who can contribute to enhancing the team’s performance across various aspects. According to Smedley, this boost is often all that is required for a team on the verge of leading to break through and establish themselves as a dominant force in the sport.
During his interview with PlanetF1.com, Smedley commends Ferrari’s car development towards the end of the previous year and suggests that Hamilton’s experience and skill could serve as the catalyst for further progress. He fondly reminisces about his time with Ferrari, when the team transformed into a “winning machine,” a status currently held by Red Bull. Smedley points out that Red Bull’s consistent success stems from a culture that is unacquainted with defeat, a characteristic shared by previously dominant teams like Mercedes.
With the 2025 regulations expected to remain stable, Smedley argues that a significant change, such as Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari, is necessary to challenge Red Bull’s supremacy. Carlos Sainz addresses Ferrari’s concerns. He describes Hamilton’s move as a potential “market force” that could alter the competitive landscape, motivating Ferrari to secure race victories and potentially disrupt Red Bull’s stronghold. Smedley also acknowledges Red Bull’s accomplishments, emphasizing the importance of competition and the principle of meritocracy in Formula 1. He asserts that it is up to the competing teams to rise to the challenge and match Red Bull’s performance, highlighting the equal opportunities available within the sport.