Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari has divided opinion, with two ex-F1 drivers making totally different predictions.
Former Formula 1 driver Jarno Trulli has delivered a harsh reality check to Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari, asserting that the British driver’s move will have no significant impact and that Red Bull remains invincible.
This week, Hamilton’s sensational transfer to Ferrari caused a major stir in the F1 community, as the British driver revealed his plans to compete for the Italian team starting in 2025, following more than ten years with Mercedes.
Former F1 driver Trulli has poured cold water on the bombshell news, asserting that Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari will not transform them into formidable contenders for the championship.
Trulli believes that Red Bull and Max Verstappen have been dominating the sport for the past three years. “The 49-year-old, who competed for numerous teams during his Formula One career from 1997 to 2011, stated to La Repubblica that Lewis is realizing his childhood aspiration.
However, merely changing teams will not be sufficient, as the Red Bulls are currently invincible. The announcement came as a shock: a seven-time world champion joining the most significant and esteemed team. Nevertheless, it does not signify a significant alteration.”
“You can field as many champions as you want, but if the car and the team cannot compete, the result with Hamilton will not change much compared to the results of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Sure, you have a champion who is still one of the best drivers on the market, with a lot of experience, even if he is getting on in age. But that does not give you a guarantee to win.
“The priority is to win titles, not to have a seven-time world champion in the house. Frankly, I think Hamilton is going to benefit more from this than Ferrari.”
However, another former F1 driver has completely disagreed with Trulli. Gerhard Berger believes that Hamilton will have a similar impact to Michael Schumacher and heaped praise on Ferrari for pulling off the deal.
He expressed to Corriere della Sera that in his opinion, securing Hamilton’s signature appears to be the most optimal choice he has ever made.
It is a move that he has been eagerly anticipating for a considerable period. This development is extremely positive and exciting. Hamilton introduces a fresh and vibrant energy to the team, distinct from the experiences with Leclerc and Sainz. Occasionally, a team requires a lively transformation from within.
I firmly believe that Lewis’s arrival at Maranello will bring about fresh talents, innovative engineers, and a fresh approach towards decision-making.
This will be fueled by a motivation that will be felt by every member of the team, similar to the transformative effect when Schumacher became a part of Ferrari.