Last Updated on February 24 2025, 4:26 pm
Doubts over Hamilton’s Ferrari move: “Not sure it will go well” – This week marks a historic moment in Formula 1 as Lewis Hamilton takes to the track for the first time as a Ferrari driver in an official F1 session. The anticipation surrounding his debut with the Italian team is immense, with fans and pundits eager to see how the seven-time world champion adapts to his new surroundings.
Some believe that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari could set the stage for a serious bid for a record-equalling eighth world title. Not everyone shares this optimism, however.
One notable sceptic is Christian Danner, a former F1 driver and current commentator, who has expressed doubts about Hamilton’s chances of immediate success at Ferrari. While many expect the British driver to be a title contender, Danner warns that the road to the championship will not be as straightforward as some might hope.
A bold move with high expectations
Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes after more than a decade was one of the boldest moves in modern F1 history. Signing with Ferrari, the sport’s most storied team, was a statement of ambition. Hamilton wants to end Ferrari’s title drought and, more importantly, win an elusive eighth championship – something that eluded him at Mercedes in recent years.
Since announcing his move, Hamilton has exuded confidence. He looks rejuvenated and more determined than ever. His struggles at Mercedes in recent years, particularly against the dominance of Red Bull, may have contributed to his decision to seek a new challenge. Now, at Ferrari, he is hoping for a resurgence similar to that of Michael Schumacher when he joined the team in the late 1990s.
Many in the paddock believe that if anyone can take Ferrari back to the top, it is Hamilton. His experience, talent and relentless drive make him a formidable competitor. However, not everyone is convinced that his move to Ferrari will lead to immediate success.
Danner’s scepticism: “I have my doubts”
Christian Danner is among those who are not entirely convinced about Hamilton’s chances of winning a championship with Ferrari in 2025.
In a recent interview with Motorsportmagazine, Danner expressed concerns about the competitiveness of the Ferrari car and the challenges Hamilton will face. He explained that he has serious doubts about whether things will go well at Ferrari, especially given the unpredictability of how superior the car will be.
When Hamilton first joined Mercedes, the performance gap between the teams was much greater, giving him a significant advantage. That will not be the case at Ferrari, where the title battle is expected to be extremely close. Danner also emphasised that Hamilton will not only have to contend with external rivals, but will also face stiff internal competition from Charles Leclerc, making his path to the championship even more challenging.
Pressure on Ferrari to produce a winning car
Danner’s concerns highlight a key issue: Ferrari has not consistently produced a dominant car in recent years. Unlike Hamilton’s early years at Mercedes, when the team was the clear frontrunner, Ferrari are currently locked in a close battle with Red Bull, McLaren and even Mercedes.
This means that even if Hamilton is at his best, he will not have the same technical advantage he once had. Furthermore, Ferrari is not a one-man team. Charles Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, is a formidable driver in his own right.
The dynamic between Hamilton and Leclerc will be crucial to Ferrari’s success. If there is internal competition, it could either push both drivers to new heights or create tension within the team.
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Learning from Schumacher’s Ferrari journey
To illustrate his point, Danner drew comparisons between Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and Michael Schumacher’s tenure with the team in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Schumacher, widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in history, did not win a championship immediately after joining Ferrari.
It took several years of development, strategic hires and a highly competitive car before he finally secured his first title with the team in 2000. Danner was quick to point out that Hamilton will not become a world champion on his own and pointed to Schumacher’s journey, noting that it took him two to three years to build a dominant force at Ferrari.
Ultimately, Schumacher had a strong technical team around him and a truly superior car in every respect, factors that were crucial to his success. Given these historical precedents, Danner is sceptical about how quickly Hamilton can turn Ferrari into a title-winning outfit.
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Schumacher had time, Hamilton does not
Schumacher’s dominance at Ferrari was built on patience, teamwork and a long-term strategy. Hamilton, at 40, does not have the luxury of waiting several years to develop a winning car. Time is not on his side and Ferrari must deliver a winning car immediately if Hamilton is to challenge for the title.
While his experience and racing skills are undeniable, the key challenges will be whether Ferrari can deliver a car that is competitive enough, how well Hamilton and Leclerc work together, how quickly Hamilton can adapt to Ferrari’s systems and race strategy, and whether Red Bull’s dominance can be overturned in the short term.
The road ahead for Hamilton
Despite the doubts, Hamilton has consistently demonstrated his ability to defy expectations. Over the years, he has overcome countless challenges, whether it be battling dominant rivals, managing intra-team conflict or adapting to changing regulations.
If anyone can make the most of his opportunity at Ferrari, it is Hamilton. However, his success will depend on a number of factors coming together at the right time. Pre-season testing and the first few races of the season will provide the first answers.
If Ferrari are competitive from the outset, Hamilton’s chances of challenging for the title will improve significantly. However, if the team struggles or internal rivalries emerge, the dream of an eighth championship could remain elusive.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 F1 season. As well as delivering a fast car, Ferrari must create an environment in which Hamilton can thrive. History has shown that great drivers can elevate teams, but they cannot do it alone. Whether Hamilton’s move will be a fairy tale or a frustrating challenge remains to be seen.
What is certain is that his journey to Ferrari will be one of the most closely watched developments in modern F1.
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Carlos Sainz was last year the victim of a global merging of brands as Lewis Hamilton picked up the phone to Ferrari chairman. John Elkann, to see if there was room at the inn in Maranello. The Brackley based outfit were responsible for handing Lewis six of his seven world titles, but they bit the buffers when the new ground effect regulations came into force in 2022.
Hamilton finished third in the drivers title race in 2023 and signed a a contract extension late on the year, which was announced a ‘multi year deal’, yet while the ink was still wet Hamilton decided the Mercedes team were not solving the problems which would return him to wining ways.
The victim in all this was Carlos Sainz, who had established himself firmly in the Ferrari F1 setup and whilst not quite delivering the results of his team mate Charles Leclerc, the Spaniard was no number two to the Monegasque. In fact Sainz and Leclerc have different driving styles and often when one would struggle over a race weekend, the other would perform well…. 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.
