Ted Kravitz on why Lewis Hamilton’s greatest Ferrari achievement may not be an eighth F1 championship
The arrival of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025 was described by many as one of the most seismic moves in Formula 1 driver market history. While Formula 1 has seen legendary transfers before – Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna switching between McLaren, Williams and Ferrari, or Michael Schumacher’s return to the grid with Mercedes in 2010 – Lewis Hamilton’s decision stunned the sport. After more than a decade with Mercedes, where he won six of his seven world championships, he shocked fans and experts alike by putting on the red race suit of Scuderia Ferrari.
However, the current campaign has not gone as planned. Ferrari, who narrowly missed out on the constructors’ championship last season, have slipped backwards in performance, and Hamilton has yet to claim a podium finish in a traditional Grand Prix for the Scuderia. With only seven races left in the 2025 Formula 1 season, the Briton finds himself 44 points adrift of his teammate Charles Leclerc in the standings.
While Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari runs until the end of 2026, speculation has already begun about whether this will mark the final chapter of his extraordinary Formula 1 career. Yet according to Sky Sports F1 pit-lane reporter Ted Kravitz, Hamilton’s legacy at Ferrari may not ultimately be defined by whether he secures the elusive eighth drivers’ crown.
Shaping Ferrari’s future may outweigh adding another championship
Speaking on the ainslie + ainslie podcast, Kravitz suggested that Lewis Hamilton’s most significant contribution to Ferrari could extend beyond his on-track results. Instead of solely focusing on winning races or fighting for podiums, Kravitz noted that Lewis Hamilton has been clear about his ambition to elevate Ferrari’s entire structure – from its technological development to its operational efficiency. In his view, Hamilton has identified areas where Ferrari still lags behind Formula 1’s front-runners, and he has made it clear that he wants to influence improvements in these key departments.
Kravitz indicated that Hamilton sees his role not just as a driver chasing victories, but as someone who can help Ferrari build a sustainable winning culture. He argued that Hamilton might view his greatest achievement not as lifting another championship trophy, but in leaving the Scuderia in a far stronger competitive position than when he first joined. If Ferrari can return to consistent title contention in the years ahead, even after Hamilton retires, that could be seen as his lasting legacy.
While Lewis Hamilton undoubtedly still dreams of becoming the first-ever eight-time world champion, Ted Kravitz emphasized that the upcoming regulation changes in 2026 will add uncertainty to every team’s trajectory. Ferrari could benefit if they adapt quickly, but Hamilton may also be realistic that his long-term influence could outshine his immediate results.
Lewis Hamilton’s history and expectations at the Singapore Grand Prix
The immediate question is whether Hamilton can finally secure his first Ferrari podium at the Singapore Grand Prix. The Marina Bay Street Circuit has historically been a strong venue for the seven-time world champion. Over 15 visits to Singapore, Hamilton has achieved four pole positions and four victories, along with three additional podium finishes. Significantly, every time he has seen the chequered flag at the track, he has scored points – a testament to his consistency at one of Formula 1’s most physically demanding venues.
Ferrari, too, have a strong history at the circuit. They have taken victory four times in Singapore, most recently in 2023 when Carlos Sainz delivered a tactical masterclass to end Red Bull’s streak of domination. Yet history alone will not guarantee success this weekend. McLaren are widely expected to secure the constructors’ championship, leaving Ferrari to fight with Mercedes for the title of “best of the rest.”
Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer has warned against expecting miracles, suggesting that too much faith may have been placed in both Hamilton and Leclerc to extract results from a car that simply does not match the best machinery on the grid. Despite this, Hamilton’s experience in Singapore, combined with his reputation for resilience, could make him a contender if Ferrari can provide him with a competitive setup.
The bigger picture for Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton
Looking further ahead, the key question remains: what will Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari story ultimately be remembered for? If he delivers podiums and wins, it will undoubtedly silence many critics. But if the SF-25 and its successor fail to deliver the performance required to fight for titles, Hamilton’s impact may still be measured in a different way – by the structural improvements and cultural changes he helped bring to Maranello.
Ted Kravitz believes the Briton’s career should not be judged solely on statistics. Instead, his influence on Ferrari’s future trajectory may represent his true “greatest achievement.” Whether he lifts an eighth Formula 1 title or not, his decision to take the bold step to Ferrari may leave a lasting imprint on the most iconic team in motorsport.
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