Ferrari’s decision to sign Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 Formula 1 campaign was overwhelmingly embraced by most of the F1 paddock.
After 12 seasons with Mercedes, it had become increasingly apparent that the team’s future direction no longer aligned with the British driver’s aspirations. At one point, he endured a nearly 1,000-day drought without a Grand Prix victory, signaling the growing divide between his career ambitions and Mercedes’ trajectory.
Nonetheless, the prospect of Lewis Hamilton joining the Maranello team – the most storied and celebrated team in F1 history – was a dream for many fans, one that had long been envisioned. The first images of the seven-time world champion in front of Enzo Ferrari’s legendary home were nothing short of iconic, sparking excitement across the globe. His initial photoshoot with the team on his first day was a record-breaking spectacle, and when he took to the track at Ferrari’s private Fiorano circuit, thousands gathered to witness his debut in their F1 car.
Initially, Eddie Jordan, the former F1 team principal, expressed doubts about Ferrari’s decision, suggesting that the team would have been better off sticking with Carlos Sainz alongside Charles Leclerc. Speaking on the latest episode of the Formula For Success Podcast, Jordan elaborated on his change of heart, explaining why he now fully supports the idea of the British driver racing for the Italian side.
Eddie Jordan discusses why he is now “completely on board” with the idea of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari for the upcoming season.
Eddie Jordan discussed Hamilton’s initial public appearances as a Ferrari driver, emphasizing the impact of a particular photograph of him in a coat. He noted that this image was a striking representation of why Ferrari had chosen Hamilton, highlighting that the driver’s presence was undeniable. He pointed out that the photograph had garnered nearly 6 million likes, underscoring Hamilton’s magnetic appeal. According to Jordan, the image would become iconic and be used for many years to come, regardless of how Hamilton performed, as it captured a moment that transcended the sport.
The Irish businessman, television personality and former motorsport team owner also recalled the recent incident involving a crash, which he described as unfortunate, but added that the massive turnout of Tifosi who gathered to photograph Hamilton during a reconnaissance trip was a testament to his popularity. He imagined that the atmosphere on Grand Prix weekends would be electric, with Lewis Hamilton serving as a major draw.
In Jordan’s view, Lewis Hamilton’s appeal extended beyond Formula 1, suggesting that the driver was a commercial asset not just for the sport but globally, particularly in the Americas and Asia, alongside his well-established fanbase in Europe. Eddie Jordan expressed that he was now fully supportive of Ferrari’s decision, recognizing the commercial and other strategic reasons behind it.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc recently completed a Ferrari TPC and Pirelli test in Barcelona, a key part of their preparation for the upcoming Formula 1 season. However, the strict testing regulations in Formula 1 prevent Ferrari from simply allowing Hamilton to rack up endless miles on their test track or the Circuit de Catalunya in last year’s car. This is to ensure that he doesn’t get too much of an early advantage in learning about the team’s new power unit, brakes, and other technical aspects before the season begins in Australia.
Instead, the British driver’s testing schedule included a limited amount of running at Ferrari’s Fiorano track before he moved on to several days of TPC (Test, Performance, and Calibration) sessions at the Spanish Grand Prix venue, the Circuit de Catalunya. Unfortunately, on the second day of testing, Hamilton was involved in a crash, which disrupted the schedule and limited Leclerc’s track time. Despite the incident, Ferrari remained unconcerned. While the full extent of the damage to the car is still unclear, it was confirmed that Hamilton emerged unscathed, although the car was unable to return to the track for the remainder of the day.
Lewis Hamilton will be eager to avoid any further mistakes, like his crash, before the crucial pre-season testing in Bahrain and the season opener in Melbourne. With all eyes on him, Hamilton’s every move will be scrutinized as he prepares for the upcoming campaign. While there are several new team and driver pairings that have caught the attention of fans and experts alike, Lewis Hamilton remains the standout star of the grid.
This season, Lewis Hamilton faces one of his most formidable teammates yet in Charles Leclerc. If Hamilton is to secure his eighth World Championship, out-performing the Monegasque driver will be essential. The competition between the two is expected to be fierce, and Hamilton’s ability to rise to the challenge will be key to his pursuit of yet another title.
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