In what can only be described as the transfer of the century, seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton has made the monumental decision to join Scuderia Ferrari from the 2025 season. Former Haas team boss turned RTL TV pundit, Guenther Steiner, weighs in on the topic with what could be considered a surprising response.

The move, steeped in both ambition and nostalgia for fans of the British driver, marks a significant turning point in Hamilton’s illustrious career, offering him a new challenge and the tantalising prospect of winning an eighth world title with the Italian team.

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One World Champion, made a significant career move by moving from Mercedes AMG F1 to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season. The move is seen as one of the most significant changes in the sport’s landscape in recent years.

Hamilton’s move brings to an end a highly successful stint with Mercedes, where he won six of his world titles, and heralds a new chapter with one of F1’s most storied teams.

During his time with Mercedes, Hamilton played a pivotal role in the team’s dominance of the sport, helping them to consecutive Constructors’ Championships. His departure from Mercedes marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new challenge with Ferrari, a team with a rich history in F1 but one that has struggled to maintain championship winning form in recent seasons.

 

 

Hamilton move into the unknown

Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari signals a significant change in his career trajectory, moving from a team where he has enjoyed considerable success to one that is in the process of rebuilding and aiming to return to the forefront of Formula One competitiveness. On the face of it, the move reflects Hamilton’s desire for new challenges and his willingness to adapt to different team dynamics and car performances.

Ferrari’s acquisition of Hamilton is part of the team’s strategy to use his experience and skills to improve its performance and competitiveness in the championship. Hamilton’s move comes at a time of significant change for Formula One, with upcoming regulatory changes including adjustments to car designs and engine specifications.

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Giancarlo Minardi negative comments

Giancarlo Minardi, a venerable figure in the world of Formula One and a former team principal, has expressed his scepticism about the true motives behind Hamilton’s imminent move to Ferrari. Speaking to Quotidiano Sportivo, Minardi revealed that he believes the situation is being driven by commercial rather than competitive considerations.

“I’m not naive,” he said, suggesting that the appeal of Hamilton’s brand and marketability may have outweighed pure sporting logic from Ferrari’s perspective.

“I’m not naive, I understand the reasons that I would describe as commercial,”

From the perspective of a former team boss, the 76-year-old made it clear: “I wouldn’t have taken someone like Hamilton.”

“And Hamilton is still competitive,” admits Minardi afterwards.

“But for the Red team, it’s not just about the driver; a Lewis Hamilton is just as little a ‘guarantee of success’ as a Sebastian Vettel (at Ferrari from 2015 to 2020).”

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Guenther Steiner weighs in

Guenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal who is now the German and French TV F1 pundit and ambassador for the Miami Grand Prix, has expressed his approval of Hamilton’s decision. Known for his insightful commentary and deep understanding of the F1 paddock, Steiner’s endorsement carries weight.

Steiner is in fact very positive about Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. This could be seen as something of a surprise to many as the decision has been viewed with a cynical viewpoint since the transfer announcement was made.

In a recent discussion with Sky Sports, he compared Hamilton’s move to his pivotal move from McLaren to Mercedes, suggesting that Hamilton’s knack for making timely decisions could once again prove fruitful.

“It looks like he’s made a good decision. That was the case when he left McLaren to join Mercedes, so maybe he’ll get this one right too,” Steiner told Sky Sports.

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New challenge beckons

Hamilton’s tenure at Mercedes has been nothing short of spectacular, delivering six world championships in eleven years and cementing a legacy that will be hard to match.

But for a competitor of Hamilton’s calibre, the lure of a new challenge is irresistible. Ferrari, with its rich history and passionate fan base, provides an unparalleled stage for the next act in Hamilton’s career. Steiner emphasised this, noting that for Hamilton, this move is more than just a change of team; it’s a bold step towards a new frontier in his career.

“But I think for him it’s more of a new challenge. He’s been part of the [Mercedes] team for eleven years, he’s won six championships and has a good relationship.” said Steiner,

“But I think this is the last stage of his career, he wants to take on a new challenge. Obviously, when your last challenge is with Ferrari, it’s a good thing to have the opportunity to do that.”

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The road to an eighth title

With an eighth title in his sights, Hamilton’s ambitions are as high as ever. Steiner is optimistic about Hamilton’s chances, pointing out that the introduction of new engine and chassis regulations in 2026 presents a golden opportunity.

If Ferrari can use these changes to produce a competitive car, Hamilton could well be in a prime position to make history once again.

“I don’t think anything is impossible,” says Steiner when asked if Hamilton could get his eighth title with Ferrari,

“In 2026, there will be a whole new set of regulations in terms of engines and chassis, so the cars will be new. And if he’s a bit lucky and he’s in the right place, if Ferrari produces a good car, it could be possible for him to win his eighth title,” added the Italian.

As the F1 world eagerly awaits the start of this exciting chapter, the question on everyone’s lips is whether Hamilton can win that elusive eighth title. With the backing of Ferrari and the potential shake-up of the 2026 regulations, the stage is set for another thrilling saga in Formula One.

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