Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari: for Karun Chandhok, it’s a “calculated risk”. Karun Chandhok shared his perspective on Lewis Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari.

Reality surpasses fantasy
“Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari.” A simple statement like this would have been considered a joke, or an absurdity, until the end of 2023. Back then, it was unimaginable that the same phrase would become reality at the start of 2024, with the seven-time Formula 1 world champion now having made his first comments as a Ferrari driver. In short, it still feels strange as we slowly approach the next championship, but the #44 printed on the Ferrari is no longer just a photomontage.

A familiar gamble
On the verge of turning 40, the Briton is ready to embark on a new challenge in Maranello, leaving behind a long stint with Mercedes, where he won six of his seven world championships, and now laying the groundwork to aim for the absolute record of eight titles. A challenge that excites many fans and former drivers but also raises some doubts. This is a topic that Karun Chandhok, who raced in F1 during 2010-2011 and is now a Sky F1 commentator, has also addressed.

The Indian referred to the early part of Lewis Hamilton‘s career, when he decided in 2012 to leave McLaren and join Mercedes the following season. A choice that initially raised eyebrows but later proved more than successful: “It’s a calculated risk,” he said. “It worked once; let’s see if it works again. I think it’s a gamble because how can you know what the opposing team was doing? Obviously, he had an idea of what was happening at Mercedes. He said people didn’t necessarily listen to what he was saying or fully take into account some of his ideas about car development. Looking back, at the start of the year, he talked about some of those conversations. Maybe that directed him to another place where he felt he might be listened to a bit more.”