Lewis Hamilton dropped one of the biggest bombshells in Formula 1 history over the winter. The seven-time world champion announced that he’d be leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari.
This was arguably the most significant driver transfer the sport had ever seen. Ferrari are widely viewed as F1’s most iconic team, while Hamilton is its most successful driver with seven championships and 103 race wins.
In the months since, the progress made by Ferrari has vindicated Hamilton’s decision. Karun Chandhok feels he will have ‘enjoyed’ watching their performances from afar.
The Scuderia have already bettered their 2023 victory tally by winning in Australia (though Carlos Sainz) and Monaco (through Charles Leclerc). They’re 49 points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ championship, but appear to be only a fraction adrift in terms of performance.
The team will be confident that their double DNF in Canada last time out was an aberration. Hamilton’s Mercedes team made a surprise return to victory contention, but it remains to be seen if that lasts.
The 39-year-old is enduring his poorest-ever season at the individual level. He trails George Russell 8-1 in the qualifying head-to-head and is 14 points behind him in the championship, having failed to score a podium in the first nine races.
Damon Hill says Lewis Hamilton Ferrari move destabilised F1 driver market
Speaking on Sky Sports F1 during practice for the Spanish Grand Prix, 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill suggested the Hamilton announcement may have come too early. It’s had a ripple effect up and down the F1 grid.
Multiple drivers and teams have been waiting to see what Sainz does next. The Spaniard will lose his spot with the Scuderia to make room for Hamilton.
Mercedes have also unexpectedly become a key player in the market. By leaving, Hamilton opened up the most desirable vacancy on the grid.
Four and a half months on from the Hamilton news, things may finally be falling into place. Academy driver Kimi Antonelli is poised to replace him, while Sainz is set to join Williams.
“The announcement of Lewis was almost premature in some way,” Hill said. “From the moment that was announced, we’ve had a knock-down effect all the way through the grid. They’re actually now starting to fall into place, the final places. It’s an F1 Rubik’s Cube.”
How Charles Leclerc sees relationship with Lewis Hamilton
Upon joining Ferrari, Hamilton will form a rivalry with one of the sport’s most highly regarded drivers in Leclerc. Max Verstappen has already backed him to become a future world champion.
Peter Windsor is confident that Hamilton won’t underestimate him. Windsor says he already saw Fernando Alonso make that mistake first-hand at McLaren in 2007.
For now, Leclerc views the Briton’s ‘huge’ arrival as a ‘super opportunity’ and a source of motivation. It’s not inconceivable that they find themselves battling for the title next year.
The Monegasque has won six Grands Prix so far in a 132-race career. With 24 pole positions (14th all-time), his raw speed is undeniable, though he may not be the finished article just yet.
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