Chasing Eight: Can Hamilton Achieve Another Title With The Scuderia?

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the F1 season of 2025 has sent shockwaves of excitement and intrigue across the racing fraternity. Having enjoyed ten years and more of unprecedented success with Mercedes, the seven-time F1 world champion is embarking on a new venture in his career, becoming the greatest team ever in F1 history. At the mature old age of 40, Hamilton seeks to win an unprecedented eight F1 crowns, surpassing Michael Schumacher’s record, and establishing his claim as arguably the greatest F1 driver ever.

A Blockbuster Pairing

The pairing of Hamilton and Ferrari is a dream come true for many fans. Hamilton’s skill, experience, and relentless pursuit of perfection combined with Ferrari’s rich heritage, passionate fanbase, and state-of-the-art facilities create a formidable force. This partnership has the potential to bring Ferrari back to the top of the sport and deliver Hamilton his elusive eighth championship.

Hamilton’s Journey to Ferrari

Hamilton’s career first began with McLaren back in 2007, where he had an immediate impact, very nearly winning the championship during his first season. Hamilton defected to join Mercedes in 2013, an acquisition that proved to transform both the team and the driver. Hamilton, together with Mercedes, dominated the field from 2014 to 2020, accumulating six world championships while setting many records.

However, the past three seasons have not witnessed the same level of success, as it has proved difficult for Mercedes to match Red Bull. Hamilton last managed to win only in Saudi Arabia back in 2021, while finishing well down the field, sixth, in the 2022 championship, his lowest finish so far, other than his first season. Although there had been indications that Mercedes had finally turned the corner in 2023, Hamilton still found himself second best to Max Verstappen in the championship. Hamilton looked elsewhere for a change and, early in 2024, announced that he would join Ferrari in 2025.

Why Ferrari?

Several factors must have influenced Hamilton agreeing to join Ferrari. Above all, the prestige of representing the greatest brand name in F1 cannot be overestimated. Ferrari has an aura that transcends the sport. For a driver of Hamilton’s stature, the opportunity to wear the famous red suit and add to Ferrari legend must have been compelling.

Furthermore, Hamilton may believe that Ferrari offers him a better chance of winning an eighth title than Mercedes. While Mercedes has been working hard to close the gap to Red Bull, Ferrari has also been making progress, and Hamilton may be confident that the Italian team can provide him with a car capable of challenging for championships.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the hype over Hamilton going to Ferrari, he will undoubtedly encounter many difficulties. In the first place, he must get accustomed to a new team, car, and engine. Having stayed so long with Mercedes, Hamilton has grown accustomed to the way that team operates, so it takes time adjusting to the way Ferrari operates and does things.

Hamilton will also have to develop close ties with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, who has previously collaborated with Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel. Driver-engineer harmony plays an important role if one has to perform well in F1, as both must work together to get the best out of the car setup and work out the best race strategies.

Another challenge for Hamilton will be dealing with the immense pressure and expectations that come with driving for Ferrari. The Italian team is under constant scrutiny from the media and fans, and Hamilton will need to be able to handle the pressure and perform at his best, even when things are not going smoothly.

Early Preparations

Hamilton has already begun his preparations for the 2025 season, visiting Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello in January 204. He met with team management and engineers and began a “total immersion program” to familiarize himself with the team’s operations.

On January 22, Hamilton drove a Ferrari, driving the SF-23, for the first time at the Fiorano test track. Because it was an old car, this initially introduced Hamilton to Ferrari’s work routines and systems. Hamilton also had a three-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona, where Hamilton and teammate Leclerc drive alternately.

The Importance of 2025 The 2025 season is also notable as it is the last one under the current regulations before fundamental changes are introduced in 20265. These changes are shifting toward 50% electrification, full sustainable fuels, and active aerodynamics. Because the teams need to spend money building their 2026 car, the 2025 season could offer the chance for Ferrari to focus on achieving a championship while not being distracted by preparing for the changes.

Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft believes that 2025 may be Hamilton’s best chance to win an eighth world title. With teams potentially diverting resources to 2026, Ferrari may be the most motivated of the top teams to maximize their performance in 2025.

Hamilton’s Teammate: Charles Leclerc

At Ferrari, Hamilton will partner with one of F1’s star younger drivers, Charles Leclerc. Leclerc has driven for Ferrari since the year 2019 and has earned five team-winning races. Leclerc has earned accolades due to his impeccable qualifying performance and aggressive driving.

The dynamic between Leclerc and Hamilton will be interesting to behold. Both drivers are very competitive, and both will want to claim the team lead. But both also need to work together so that Ferrari succeeds. It will be very important that the team management keep an eye on the two drivers’ rivalry so that it does not harm the team.

Recent Ferrari Success

While the focus is on Formula 1, Ferrari has also been making strides in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). In 2024, Ferrari won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, and they recently unveiled the livery for their 2025 WEC car. This success in endurance racing demonstrates Ferrari’s commitment to motorsport and their ability to develop competitive cars.

Hamilton’s Impact on Ferrari

Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari will have an immense impact, both on the track and off it. His experience and skill will be invaluable both when it comes to car development and day-to-day management. Hamilton also just so happens to be an international star, so it will automatically generate fresh fans, as well as sponsors, for the team.

Moreover, Hamilton’s commitment to inclusion and diversity has the ability to change Ferrari into an inclusive organization. Hamilton has always been an advocate for social justice, and it is possible that he will use his platform at Ferrari to advocate these values.

Can Hamilton Pull it Off?

The question on everyone’s lips is whether Hamilton has the possibility of achieving an unprecedented eight world championships driving for Ferrari. It undoubtedly will be one that proves tough, but Hamilton has repeatedly proved that he has the capacity to emerge victorious over adversity. If Ferrari can give him a car that competes, and if he adapts well to his new team, there is no reason that he cannot win the championship in 2025. And if he does not win it in 2025, Hamilton’s several-year deal means that there are still opportunities waiting for him down the line. Ultimately, whether Hamilton manages to win an eighth championship with Ferrari will depend on various factors, such as the car’s performance, Hamilton’s performance, and the level of competition from other teams. But one thing is certain: the next two years will be an interesting and intriguing time in the career of one of F1’s best drivers.