In 2025, what accomplishments can Lewis Hamilton attain by switching from Ferrari to Mercedes?
Jenson Button, the 2009 World Champion, has claimed Lewis Hamilton wouldn’t have had the confidence to take on a new challenge at Ferrari during their spell as McLaren F1 team-mates.
Hamilton rocked the F1 world in February by announcing that he will end his long and successful association with Mercedes at the end of F1 2024 to join Ferrari on a multi-year contract.
Jenson Button weighs in on Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 2025 move
Just five months after Hamilton penned a fresh two-year deal with Mercedes, the seven-time World Champion made his decision. The contract was set to run until the conclusion of 2025.
When Hamilton joins Ferrari in 2025, he will be approaching his 40th birthday. He will team up with Charles Leclerc, who is widely recognized as the fastest driver in modern F1 when it comes to a single lap.
Button had a higher score than Hamilton during their three seasons together at McLaren from 2010 to 2012. However, Hamilton left McLaren in 2013 to replace Michael Schumacher at Mercedes.
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During an appearance on the Sky F1 podcast, Button expressed his admiration for Hamilton’s boldness in joining Ferrari at this late stage of his career, especially considering the challenge of competing against a driver like Leclerc.
He expressed his belief that this is an excellent period in the world of motorsport.
“We will never achieve complete satisfaction, as it is human nature to always desire more – more action, more excitement, more controversy. At present, what makes things thrilling is the constant movement of drivers within the field.”
“It’s quite astonishing to witness Lewis making a transition from Mercedes, the team that has bestowed upon him numerous World Championships, to take the wheel for Ferrari.”
“That was surprising. That’s the one I didn’t expect.”
“Could Max Verstappen be on the move? There is a possibility.”
“Even though it’s old news, Lewis Hamilton’s potential move to Ferrari is a topic that will be discussed for eternity.”
“This individual, who was presented with various opportunities, has triumphed in numerous World Championships and seized them with great success.”
I have personally witnessed him driving a racing car and can confidently say that he is one of the most skilled drivers I have ever seen. We were teammates for a duration of three years.
I would applaud Lewis for having the self-assurance to join Ferrari and face the challenge of competing against someone as talented as Charles.
He lacked confidence when we were teammates, in my opinion.
“Now he possesses the required skills and has become a well-rounded driver, filled with confidence to take on new challenges.”
“We require new challenges, just like drivers do. If you don’t have them, you won’t stay as long as Fernando Alonso. Lewis, someone like him, needed that fresh challenge, and now he has it.”
Button’s comments come after former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone described Hamilton’s Ferrari switch as a “strange move to make” and claimed he would not have signed the “selfish” veteran.
In an interview with RacingNews365, he expressed that the situation at Mercedes is quite challenging and demanding, more than necessary.
To maintain his loyalty and satisfaction, Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team boss, has allowed him to remain in that state.
Making that move was incredibly peculiar.
Both Toto and him have developed a close bond due to their selfish motives, with Toto heavily depending on him.
There was never a relationship where both parties could be relied upon, as evidenced by his sudden decision to leave.
I was quite surprised since I couldn’t comprehend his actions, especially considering the ample one-year notice.
Why did he announce it now instead of waiting later in the season?
Many believed that Ferrari made a shrewd move by bringing him on board, but in my opinion, his involvement seems more driven by ego rather than strategic thinking.
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