The transition of Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes to Ferrari has stirred discussions within the racing community, particularly drawing attention from four-time world champion Alain Prost.
Prost has offered insights into the significant shift Hamilton will encounter, emphasizing the cultural and operational disparities between the two prestigious teams.
After an illustrious 12-season tenure with Mercedes, Hamilton is poised to embark on a new chapter with Ferrari for the 2025 season, where he will be partnering with Charles Leclerc.
Prost, drawing from his own experience transitioning from a British-based team (McLaren) to Ferrari in 1990 and 1991, has highlighted the potential challenges Hamilton may face acclimating to the “different pressure” inherent in Ferrari’s environment.
In an interview, Prost underlined the importance of the relationship dynamics within Ferrari, particularly highlighting the ambiance surrounding the team.
He subtly cautioned Hamilton about the nuances of navigating the cultural and operational landscape at Ferrari, suggesting that these factors could initially pose challenges for the seven-time world champion.
“The relation with Charles, you know, the ambiance at Ferrari is also [important],” Prost remarked, encapsulating the complexities that Hamilton may encounter as he transitions to the iconic Italian racing team.
“[He has had] such a long period with an English team, Mercedes, with a way of working, and then you go to an Italian team, especially with the different pressure, a different way of thinking, he is under pressure from the media. I think it’s not that easy.”
Prost also delved into Lewis Hamilton’s motivation levels, noting his recent drought in victories since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Hamilton is currently facing his toughest start to a season in his career, having accumulated just 10 points from four races.
“I can understand his decision because obviously when you are in a team like Mercedes, when they did not win a race for two years and they are really struggling to go back to the front, and at his age he has said, ‘Okay, why not try something different,” the 51-time grand prix winner added.
“I mean, I’m not sure if he had the possibility to go to Red Bull, but not with Max for sure. So that’s not possible. Then you can go to Ferrari, especially with the regulation change in ‘26. Then you only have one year, ‘25, that way you can [settle into the team].
“After ‘26, he will be 42, I think, maybe even 43 so it’s going to be another story. But I can understand if you don’t want to stop racing. The question is, is it a good move? Is it going to be a good choice? Also, for Ferrari, you could ask the question.
“It’s good for the sport because everybody’s going to watch. You could have an idea, but the idea or the perception you could have today is going to be different next year at the same stage because he will be one year older and will he find his motivation back to being at Ferrari?
“It is possible because if it’s for a short time, maybe only one year, if Ferrari is going well, I think he could find the motivation back.”
