Is Lewis Hamilton Ferrari-compatible?

First, a confession. I thought that never Lewis Hamilton would not give in to the sirens of Ferrari, those who charmed so many champions before leading them to their downfall. Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel in the past, Charles Leclerc for five years: everyone has broken their teeth over the myth of Maranello.

It took a mountain of self-sacrifice and effort for Michael Schumacher breaks the curse after many disappointments and heartbreaks. So I thought, I said, that Lewis Hamilton was above all that.

After all, his journey demonstrates that there is no need to put on the holy red tunic to pass on to posterity. So why accept nowt? Could it be the approaching midlife crisis? The loss of confidence in Mercedes, his home for 11 years? Or the hubris of the champions who one day feel obliged to go and compete with the Prancing Horse? Ayrton Senna, Lewis Hamilton's absolute idol, had planned to do it before destiny took him down in full glory.

Almost 40 years old, and despite a multi-year contract, some speak of “2+1”, Sir Lewis does not represent the future of Ferrari. Can he succeed in making a mechanism as beautiful as it is poisonous triumph in such a short time? Mercedes is a major global manufacturer. The Scuderia is something else. It is a religion, with its mystique, its rituals, and its fanatics. Hamilton may be a political savvy who has seen it all, experienced it all, but does he really want to prank himself? Commedia dell'Arte who is raging across the Alps?

Besides, can a British personality flourish in such a Latin and incandescent environment? Note, Maranello's greatest champions are a German and an Austrian. And the last crowned pilot in red is a silent Finn. Everything is possible !

What agreement with Leclerc?

Then the question arises of his future collaboration (rivalry?) with Charles Leclerc, recently renewed and awarded a long-term contract... who is being handed the most decorated driver in history. We imagine (hope…) that the Monegasque was kept informed of the negotiations between Ferrari, where he has been at home since 2016, and his next seven-time world champion teammate.

The two men like and respect each other. They are also at different stages of their careers. Still: Ferrari just needs to deliver a racing beast in 2026 – which is what Hamilton must be thinking, otherwise why come? – so that the agreement turns into a skirmish. Time is running out for Lewis if he wants to add this 8th title that he should have won one evening at Abu Dhabi 2021. Leclerc, for his part, has been drooling for too long in Maranello to miss his chance. Sparks in sight?

Frédéric Vasseur has the advantage of knowing both well. He is undoubtedly the best placed to lead this team which is as tempting as it is potentially explosive.

So is Hamilton Ferrari-compatible? It doesn’t matter, I would tell you. Let us instead salute the courage of an immense champion who could have ended his career peacefully in his favorite stable but preferred to uproot himself to take up a Homeric challenge, facing one of the fastest thoroughbreds of his generation, who will play at home.

Strongly 2025!

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