Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari: Berger predicts success but sees challenges – The Formula One world was rocked at the start of 2024 when Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s most successful driver in terms of world championships, made the shock decision to leave Mercedes after more than a decade and join Ferrari. The move marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the seven-time world champion.
While speculation about Hamilton’s motives dominated discussions for months, former F1 driver Gerhard Berger believes the reasoning behind the move was simple: Hamilton no longer saw a viable path to victory with Mercedes. According to Berger, Ferrari represents a fresh opportunity for the Briton to reignite his career and challenge for titles once again.
“He had two problems: The Mercedes was a winning car only in exceptional cases, and he had been with the same team for so long that only a change of scenery would help,” Berger explained in an interview with Auto, Motor und Sport.
The Austrian added that a mere fifth place – something Hamilton has experienced too often in recent years – is not enough to keep him motivated.
Berger is confident that Hamilton will push himself harder than ever at Ferrari.
“At Ferrari he will really grit his teeth and could be at the top of his game again,” he said. That doesn’t mean the road ahead will be without its difficulties.
While Ferrari offer Hamilton a golden opportunity, Berger warns that the biggest challenge may come from within his own garage. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s golden boy and one of the fastest drivers in the sport, will be a formidable teammate.
“I think he will struggle with Leclerc’s speed. It will be a very close race,” predicted Berger. The battle between Hamilton and Leclerc is expected to be one of the defining storylines of the coming seasons, with both drivers hungry for success.
Ferrari’s internal rivalries are historically intense, with past duos such as Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa or Sebastian Vettel and Leclerc creating fierce competition within the team. With Hamilton’s experience and Leclerc’s raw speed, another heated internal duel seems inevitable.
Despite the potential challenges Hamilton will face at Ferrari, Berger has no doubt that the Scuderia will finally end their championship drought.
“I would put my money on Ferrari this season,” he explained.
“I can’t say whether it will be Hamilton or Leclerc, whether it will be the drivers’ or the constructors’ championship, but they will win a title.”
Berger’s confidence is not only based on the driver line-up, but also on the leadership of team principal Frédéric Vasseur. The Austrian believes Vasseur is the right man to lead Ferrari back to the top of Formula One.
“He is calm, thoughtful, always to the point and he delivers,” Berger praised. “It was clear that it would take a year or two for his work to pay off. Now I feel it is starting to work. I also think it is great that he has brought in Hamilton. Vasseur will bring Ferrari back to the top.”
Vasseur’s impact on the team is already evident, with Ferrari showing promising signs of progress. If the Frenchman’s leadership continues to steer the team in the right direction, Berger’s prediction of Ferrari’s return to championship glory may not be far-fetched.
The stakes for Hamilton and Ferrari
Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari is one of the most significant moves in modern F1 history. It comes with immense expectations, both for the driver and the team. While Mercedes have given Hamilton six world titles, Ferrari have not won a drivers’ championship since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. The pressure will be immense and the margin for error will be slim.
For Hamilton, success with Ferrari would cement his legacy as one of the greatest drivers of all time. If he can win an eighth world title with the iconic Italian team, he will stand alone as the most decorated champion in F1 history.
For Ferrari, ending their long wait for a championship would be a triumph of perseverance and ambition. The team’s loyal fanbase, the Tifosi, have been yearning for glory and with Hamilton and Leclerc at the wheel, 2025 could finally be their year.
While uncertainties remain, one thing is certain: Hamilton’s Ferrari era will be one of the most closely watched stories in motorsport. Whether it ends in triumph or disappointment, it promises to be an unforgettable journey.
