As Lewis Hamilton gears up to don the iconic red in 2025, this blockbuster move – potent with speed, experience, and a flair for the political game – has both Dr. Helmut Marko and F1 stalwart Gerhard Berger forecasting stormy times ahead for Charles Leclerc.
Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s top consultant, minced no words in his assessment, laying out the multifaceted impact Hamilton is poised to have at Ferrari. Speaking to Marca, Marko highlighted, “This is the best thing that could have happened to F1 at this time.” He elaborated on Hamilton’s dual motivations: a deep-seated fascination for Ferrari and a growing disenchantment with Mercedes. “The fascination that Lewis feels for Ferrari, and that Hamilton no longer trusts Mercedes,” Marko noted, pinpointing the heart of the matter.
But it’s not just about the allure of the Prancing Horse or the disillusionment with his current team. Marko delved deeper, revealing Hamilton’s personal battles and ambitions. “There are two things that Hamilton cannot accept,” Marko asserted. “The first is that he is no longer the one who wins world championships, and also that it will not be easy for him to become champion again.” The conversation then turned to the economic aspect, where Hamilton’s dissatisfaction with no longer being the top earner in F1 comes into play. “But leaving aside the sporting aspect, Hamilton is not at all happy with having stopped being the driver with the best salary on the grid,” Marko added, hinting at a shift in the financial pecking order facilitated by Ferrari’s embrace.
Marko’s forecast for Leclerc under Hamilton’s looming shadow, meanwhile, is stark. “Lewis will impose himself on Charles politically as Ferrari’s global superstar,” he predicted, setting the stage for an internal duel of epic proportions.
Echoing Marko’s sentiments, Gerhard Berger, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, praised Ferrari’s strategic play in bringing Hamilton on board. “Lewis is not only one of the best drivers in the history of Formula 1,” Berger observed, “he is also extremely effective in terms of marketing.” The fusion of “The Ferrari brand and the Hamilton brand” is, to Berger, a masterstroke in fan engagement and brand elevation.
Berger didn’t stop there. He foresaw Hamilton’s transformative impact on Ferrari, drawing parallels with another legend’s era. “He will be paid a lot of money and be truly loved,” Berger stated, underlining the dual appeal of Hamilton’s impending tenure. “First of all, Ferrari needs his experience. He has won more than 100 grands prix. Victories are a common thing for him.” Berger also highlighted Hamilton’s knack for navigating the complexities of F1’s political landscape and his potential to attract top technical talent to Maranello, suggesting, “He knows how to motivate a team for that and how to deal with politically complex situations. In addition, some technical specialists from other teams may follow Lewis to Maranello, so a new successful cycle may begin in the history of Ferrari, as was already the case with Michael Schumacher.”
