The Formula 1 world entered a frenzy when Lewis Hamilton announced he was leaving Mercedes for Ferrari back in February 2024.
The Scuderia are the most successful team in the sport’s history with 16 Constructors’ Championships and 15 Drivers’ Championships since 1950.
Lewis Hamilton has broken countless records in Formula 1, holding the most wins, most pole positions and most podium finishes of any driver, all surpassing 100.
But there is one record the Brit still hasn’t broken, obtaining the most Drivers’ Championships ever.
He is tied with Michael Schumacher on seven, with the German legend winning five with The Prancing Horse.
One question remains, will Hamilton be given the opportunity to fight for his coveted eighth when Ferrari have another driver keen to prove he’s World Champion worthy?
Charles Leclerc won’t be content with second place
The 27-year-old has won eight Grand Prix, reaching 43 podium finishes.
He became the first Monegasque to win the iconic Monaco Grand Prix in 2024 and has had a dazzling career prior to F1, winning GP3 and Formula 2.
In 2019, he was gifted the longest Ferrari contract in the team’s history showing their confidence and belief in him.
He’s not afraid to fight established talents such as four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and the now four-time champion Max Verstappen so Hamilton should be cautious.
The Italian giants call Leclerc ‘Il Predestinato’ or the predestined, believing he is fated for greatness and their passionate fans, the tifosi, are fiercely loyal to him.
Hamilton was the established number one with the Silver Arrows but Leclerc won’t be intimidated by his accolades.
They will both be fighting to be the priority now that Hamilton has swapped black and silver for Rosso Corsa.
With Hamilton’s seniority and trophies behind him, surely the Scuderia must choose him?
Lewis Hamilton is keen to learn from ‘massively talented’ Leclerc
The Briton has discussed his relationship with his new teammate, via Formula One’s website, stating: “Charles is massively talented.
“He’s going to be so fast this year. I’m looking forward to learning what I can from him and supporting him alongside the team to deliver the best results we can get.”
Martin Brundle believes Hamilton will have challenges against ‘incredibly fast’ Leclerc but could win races and the Championship if the car performs.
The title that never was
In 2021, the eighth title almost came to fruition.
Hamilton was battling it out with Verstappen all season, with dramatic crashes at Monza and Silverstone pivotal parts of the title fight.
Going into the final race in Abu Dhabi, they were level on points with 369.5 each.
However, the race was a controversial one and was ultimately decided when Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams and the safety car was deployed.
The five drivers between Hamilton and Verstappen were informed they could unlap themselves and the safety car period would end.
When racing restarted, the Dutchman kept his Red Bull ahead of Hamilton’s Mercedes to win his first World Championship with the Briton feeling ‘robbed’.
Now or Never?
For Hamilton to join Ferrari now, leaving Mercedes after 12 years, he must be feeling it is now or never to break the record.
At 40 years old, he is one of the oldest drivers on the grid, beaten only by Fernando Alonso.
While he shows no signs of retiring, Ferrari is seen as the dream destination for all Formula 1 drivers and he must be seeing it as the perfect opportunity to add to his legacy before leaving the sport.
He replaces Carlos Sainz, a man ten years his junior who finished fifth in the championship.
Hamilton only managed seventh.
But his appeal for Ferrari is nevertheless undeniable, with racing qualities and marketing potential abound.
Now it just remains to be seen whether the move will be successful for both parties.
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