Much criticism of Ferrari’s driver change as Ferrari’s plan with Hamilton should be considered ‘madness’ by F1 Insider – Ferrari’s decision to replace Carlos Sainz with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 Formula One season has sparked intense debate in the paddock.
While many see the move as a bold bid for glory, others argue it’s an unnecessary risk bordering on madness. The Scuderia’s shake-up of a seemingly stable line-up has divided pundits, with strong voices questioning whether Hamilton’s arrival will solve Ferrari’s long-standing problems.
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A controversial decision: The experts speak out
Long-time F1 designer **Gary Anderson** minced no words when discussing Ferrari’s Hamilton gamble. Speaking on the Formula for Success podcast, Anderson said:
“If they see Lewis as a ‘God’ who’s going to get them out of all their problems, I think that’s madness…”
Anderson’s scepticism reflects concerns that Ferrari may be pinning too much hope on Hamilton’s illustrious resume rather than focusing on systemic improvements within the team.
Adding to the chorus of doubt is former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, the man responsible for bringing Carlos Sainz to Maranello. In an interview with *Corriere della Sera*, Binotto openly disagreed with the decision: “I would not have brought Lewis because Ferrari was focused on other drivers.”
Binotto’s statement hints at a strategy that was once based on long-term continuity, built around the strong partnership between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Both drivers have delivered consistent performances, with Sainz notably breaking Red Bull’s 2023 dominance with a win in Singapore.
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Despite the criticism, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur remains adamant that Hamilton’s arrival will bring much-needed energy and experience to the team. Having worked with Hamilton earlier in his career, Vasseur is confident in the Briton’s ability to make an impact.
“I am convinced that Lewis, with his own experience, with 18 years in F1 and several titles, will bring a real boost.”
For Ferrari, the signing of Hamilton isn’t just about his racing ability; it’s about his pedigree as a proven champion. His presence is expected to raise the team’s profile and give it a psychological edge over its rivals. That’s their theory anyway…
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Verstappen weighs in: A new challenge for Hamilton
Among Hamilton’s former rivals, Max Verstappen offers a more balanced perspective. Having fought one of the most dramatic championship battles in F1 history against Hamilton in 2021, Verstappen understands both the Briton’s strengths and weaknesses.
Speaking to *The Mirror*, the now four-time world champion suggested that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari could reignite his motivation: “Maybe it’s good for him to have a bit of a change of scenery and new motivation.”
However, Verstappen stopped short of predicting immediate success for Hamilton, pointing out that Ferrari’s competitiveness will ultimately determine the outcome.
“It is difficult to say whether he will be able to fight for the title again. It also depends on how competitive Ferrari is.”
Verstappen believes that Hamilton’s performance in recent years has not fully reflected his ability. Since the controversial 2021 title finale in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton’s results have indeed been modest. Between 2022 and 2023, he scored just two race wins, with a third-place finish in the 2023 championship his best result.
Verstappen offered his perspective on the slump, stating: “I have the feeling that when Lewis has a good car, of course he is more motivated”.
This subtle observation suggests that Hamilton’s struggles may be down to Mercedes’ underwhelming cars rather than a decline in his ability or desire to win.
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Ferrari’s gamble on experience: Can Hamilton deliver?
At 40, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari makes him one of the oldest drivers on the grid. However, age is not necessarily a disadvantage. Legendary drivers such as Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso have shown that experience can often outweigh youthful exuberance, especially when paired with the right machinery.
For Ferrari, Hamilton represents a high-risk, high-reward strategy. On the one hand, they are acquiring a driver who knows how to win championships. On the other hand, they are dismantling a stable line-up that has shown promise in recent years.
The Sainz-Leclerc partnership has been effective, with both drivers delivering results and pushing each other. Sainz’s departure raises questions about team dynamics and whether Leclerc, Ferrari’s long-term investment, will thrive alongside a driver of Hamilton’s stature.
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Hamilton’s motivation: A fresh start in Maranello?
One of the lingering questions surrounding Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is his motivation. Since the bitter defeat to Verstappen in 2021, Hamilton has been increasingly frustrated as Mercedes have struggled to build a competitive car under the new F1 regulations.
There have been moments when Hamilton has looked uninspired, particularly when battling for lower positions.
However, a move to Ferrari could provide the fresh challenge Hamilton needs to reignite his competitive fire. Joining the iconic Italian team, with its storied history and passionate fanbase, could be the perfect catalyst for a late-career resurgence.
For Hamilton, the allure of leading Ferrari back to the top – and potentially winning a record-equalling eighth world title in Scuderia Red – is a powerful motivator. Few achievements would cement his legacy more than restoring the glory of one of the sport’s most iconic teams.
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Will Ferrari and Hamilton prove the critics wrong?
The next chapter in Hamilton’s career will be defined by whether Ferrari can deliver a car capable of challenging for championships. Over the past decade, Ferrari has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency, strategy and reliability. If these problems persist, even Hamilton’s unparalleled talent may not be enough to secure titles.
Gary Anderson and Mattia Binotto may well be proved right if Ferrari’s problems extend beyond the driver line-up. Simply adding a star driver will not guarantee success if the team fails to address its underlying weaknesses.
However, if Ferrari can produce a competitive car, Hamilton’s experience and determination could be the missing ingredient to finally return the Scuderia to its championship-winning ways.
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Only time will tell whether Ferrari’s decision to replace Carlos Sainz with Lewis Hamilton is a masterstroke or a misstep. For now, opinions remain sharply divided. Critics see the move as an unnecessary shake-up, while supporters believe Hamilton’s arrival signals Ferrari’s intention to return to the top of F1.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Maranello to see if this blockbuster signing delivers the success Ferrari – and Hamilton – desperately crave. Until then, the debate will rage on, with both sides waiting for history to give its verdict.
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Liam Lawson to partner Max Verstappen in 2025 after Perez’s difficult season – Sergio Perez’s journey with Red Bull Racing has officially come to an end. After a challenging and inconsistent 2024 season, the Mexican driver’s departure from the team has been confirmed.
His replacement has already been chosen: the young and promising Liam Lawson, who brings with him previous Formula 1 experience and a reputation for fearless racing.
This significant shake-up will see the 22-year-old New Zealander partnering three-time (or more) world champion Max Verstappen from the 2025 F1 season, as Red Bull looks to maintain its dominance and stability after an inconsistent constructors’ campaign in 2024…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
