Lewis Hamilton’s Future in F1: Insights on the Missed Ferrari Opportunity
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert expressed his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s career choices, specifically wishing Hamilton had joined Ferrari. Herbert believes Hamilton is the ideal fit for the prestigious team, a move that didn’t materialize as Hamilton extended his contract with Mercedes.
Key Takeaways:
- Johnny Herbert, an ex-Formula 1 racer, shared his views that Lewis Hamilton would have been an excellent match for Ferrari, emphasizing Hamilton’s personality and suitability for the team.
- Lewis Hamilton recently renewed his contract with Mercedes until the end of the 2025 season, leading to speculation about this being his last contract in F1. Reports had previously suggested Ferrari’s interest in Hamilton.
- Despite Mercedes’ struggles with their car’s performance, Herbert doubts they will provide Hamilton with a vehicle capable of winning his eighth title, critiquing the team’s progress and current status compared to competitors like Red Bull.
Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert recently opened up about his perspective on Lewis Hamilton’s career trajectory, expressing a strong opinion that Hamilton would have been a perfect addition to the Ferrari team. This revelation comes in the wake of Hamilton signing an extension with his long-time team, Mercedes, until the end of the 2025 season.
Herbert’s views highlight a “what could have been” scenario in the Formula 1 world. He remarked, “He may be aware of what may be happening in the future with Mercedes and has been satisfied that is where his future is. Still, I would have liked to have seen the final part of his career in a Ferrari.” Herbert’s words reflect a sense of admiration for Hamilton’s skills and character, which he believes would have been ideally suited for Ferrari.
Hamilton, who will be 41 at the end of his current contract, might be nearing the end of his F1 career. There was a buzz around the possibility of him joining Ferrari, especially after reports emerged of Ferrari’s CEO personally approaching Hamilton with an offer. Hamilton’s decision to stay with Mercedes, however, put these speculations to rest.
Herbert added, “I honestly think he was the right character and the perfect fit for them. If he is happy where he is, for him, that is the best mental place for him to be. You have got to have belief in where you are at and Lewis does, which is why he re-signed.”
Despite Mercedes’ lackluster performance over the past 18 months, Herbert thinks the current situation may not favor Hamilton in his quest for an eighth title. He pointed out, “Based on the last couple of years, I don’t see Lewis getting an eighth title. The car has got better since they changed from the original concept, but they are only as good as the gap behind Red Bull.”
This insight into Hamilton’s potential career moves and the current state of affairs at Mercedes offers a unique glimpse into the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing. As the sport continues to evolve, the decisions of its most prominent figures like Lewis Hamilton will always be a topic of fascination and debate.
