The biggest development of the 2024 season came in February when Lewis Hamilton was announced as a Ferrari driver. This was one of the biggest signings in the history of motorsport, as a seven-time world champion was joining hands with an iconic F1 team. After a decade of success with Mercedes, where Hamilton won six driver’s crowns, he ended the run. The duo dominated the tracks from 2014 to 2021 while winning almost every world title.
However, an unfortunate decision crushed his dreams when Hamilton was on the verge of lifting his record-breaking eighth Driver’s Cup. Following this heartbreak, the Siver Arrows lost their magical touch and were nowhere near the front runners in 2022-23. Thus, Hamilton pulled the plug on his Mercedes tenure after a dreadful couple of seasons. As Hamilton approaches his 40th birthday next year, F1 legend Jackie Stewart weighed in on the potential impact of his Ferrari move at this career stage.
Could Lewis Hamilton Drove Ferrari To Success At 40? F1 Legend Explains
During a recent Racing News 365 podcast appearance, legendary F1 driver Jackie Stweart opened up about the upcoming Ferrar-Hamilton partnership. The former racer was surprised by the timing of this move, as it came in the latter half of Hamilton’s career. Further, he admitted it is never easy for a 40-year-old racer to join a team that has started showing signs of competitiveness. Further, the three-time world champion alluded that Ferrari could be a “disruptive” team, given the legacy and consistency of the Maranello squad. However, he insisted it would be a challenge for Hamilton to make an impact at his age.
At the same time, Stewart does not doubt the seven-time world champion’s abilities and has refused to rule out Hamilton’s chances of success with Ferrari. He highlighted Hamilton’s excellent show at the recent British GP, a confirmation of his “top-notch skill and talent.” The Briton became the first racer in F1 history to win nine races on a circuit, making a solid comeback to winning ways. All in all, the Briton has a high chance of succeeding with the Italian-based constructors, as his racing charm is unmatched. The Ferrari team has been searching for a World Championship triumph since 2008, while Hamilton is on a quest for his eighth world title. Therefore, if Ferrari could design a powerful F1 project for 2025, it could end the long wait for both.
Hamilton Boasts Longevity With Faster Reaction Times Than Rivals
At the age of 40, the biggest concern for an F1 racer is his “reaction time,” which naturally goes down with time. However, this is not the case with Hamilton, as he feels faster than ever. The Briton discussed longevity and future plans in his Style Magazine cover story.
He stated that he is currently in the best shape, both physically and mentally. Thus, his reaction time is quicker than some of his young rivals’. Therefore, the iconic racer is ready to live his childhood dream of steering an F1 Ferrari car, with his sights set on the top spot.