Lewis Hamilton’s leap from Mercedes to Ferrari has the Formula One world buzzing. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of anticipation, one voice of caution resonates—Jean Todt, the veteran F1 figure and ex-Ferrari boss, isn’t entirely convinced of Hamilton’s immediate success with the Scuderia.
In a tell-all with Sport Bild, Todt didn’t hold back. He thinks teams like Red Bull have a better shot at the championship right now. He reflected on his initial days with Ferrari, saying, “On a scale of one to ten, Ferrari was a five. Now it’s much better. With Lewis, the team will be a nine out of ten.” But for Todt, a ‘nine out of ten’ just might not cut it for championship glory. “For a world championship title, everything has to be perfect,” he emphasized. According to Todt, perfection is the key to those precious tenths of a second that make all the difference.
Meanwhile, Hamilton is settling any doubts about his move. After a win at the Spanish Grand Prix, he was adamant he has no regrets. “No, not at all,” he said firmly. He even shrugged off concerns about tensions. Paddy Lowe, who worked with Hamilton before, did caution that Hamilton’s arrival could add stress to the Ferrari team. Lowe noted that while Hamilton’s presence is a psychological boost, it also raises the stakes, creating pressure for everyone from the mechanics to the designers.
Ferrari’s recent performances haven’t been stellar, with subpar showings in Canada and Spain. Mercedes, on the other hand, is gaining momentum. Hamilton believes Ferrari is improving. “They’ve brought an upgrade here, and I think they’re definitely making progress,” he said. However, the numbers tell a different story. Mercedes has outperformed Ferrari, scoring 125 points to Ferrari’s 50 in the past four races.
Lowe also raised concerns about the pressure Hamilton’s move would bring. “When you have a driver of Lewis’ caliber, it boosts the team but also adds immense pressure to deliver,” Lowe explained. It’s been 16 years since Ferrari’s last title, and the weight of expectations is heavy.
Despite the chatter, Hamilton’s focus remains steady. He expressed his love for Mercedes and his dedication to finishing the season on a high note. “My job this year is to work as hard as I can with the crew and people at the factory to develop the car in the right direction,” he stated. Even as he prepares for Ferrari, he’s integral to Mercedes’ current efforts.
As the season unfolds, the true impact of Hamilton’s move will become evident. Will his move to Ferrari be a leap forward or a stumble? Only time will tell. For now, Hamilton is set on closing this chapter with Mercedes on a high note and stepping into the Ferrari ring with confidence.
The motorsport world waits with bated breath. Will Hamilton bring home the title for Ferrari, or are Todt’s reservations well-founded? One thing’s certain: the upcoming season promises to be a thrilling ride.
