Mika Hakkinen raises doubts about Lewis Hamilton’s quest for an eighth world championship as he embarks on a new journey with Ferrari in the upcoming season.
Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes, his team for over a decade, and the platform for six of his illustrious drivers’ titles. His destination is Ferrari, where he replaces Carlos Sainz, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory.
Since his Formula 1 debut in 2007, Hamilton has been synonymous with McLaren and Mercedes. However, his move to Ferrari in 2024 signifies a fresh start, adorned in new team colors and powered by a different engine.
Ferrari’s last driver’s title came in 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen, and Hakkinen, a two-time F1 World Champion, anticipates a formidable challenge for Hamilton as he adapts to the Italian outfit.
When questioned about his perspective on Hamilton’s remarkable switch in teams, Hakkinen said: “I can see that he wants to win, of course, like everybody else wants to win.
“I think he probably experienced that, with the Mercedes, maybe he thinks the Mercedes isn’t able to give him a car where he can win.
“Probably he’s seeing the opportunity that, with Ferrari, they can bring him a car where he can win. But it’s quite a big change for him because he’s been in a British team – let’s call it this way – for so many, many years.
“To now change to an Italian team, where he doesn’t have experience, it can be quite a big change for him – to understand the philosophy, and how they work. This has nothing to say they don’t work well or they don’t do the right thing, but it’s a big change.”
However, as Hamilton and Mercedes appear no nearer to contending for the title in 2024 than they were at the outset of the current regulations two years ago, Hakkinen suggested that a change of scenery could provide a significant boost for the British driver.
He stated; “For the moment where he’s in his career, it must be very exciting and motivating for him to continue with this great sport.
“I think it opens up opportunities to other drivers, too, this year is a big year because so many contracts are finishing and there’s going to be a lot of changes.”
But can he secure his record-breaking eighth title in this new environment and surpass the seven championships he shares with Michael Schumacher?
Finn answered; “That’s impossible to say. It’s all about the car. If they’re able to build the car and fix the problems that they have, then there is a possibility.”
As Hamilton transitions to Ferrari at the age of 40, he will encounter stiff competition from the team’s top driver, Charles Leclerc.
The young Monegasque has demonstrated both speed and determination, positioning himself as a potential challenger for the world championship when provided with competitive machinery.
Given the presence of such a strong competitor alongside him, Hakkinen believes that Hamilton will face challenges in outperforming his new teammate.
“You have Charles Leclerc over there, and he has been with the team for a long time,” he stated.
“He’s a very talented young driver and the car is tailor-made for him. So it’s not going to be so straightforward, in my opinion.”
Considering the renowned appeal of Ferrari to all Formula 1 drivers, given its rich history and prestige spanning over seven decades in the sport, is Hakkinen taken aback by Hamilton’s decision to take such a gamble in the twilight years of his career?
Hakkinen stated; “I think it’s purely to have a change. He’s been at Mercedes for so long, and he has achieved everything with Mercedes – they have reached the pinnacle of results.
“I think he wants to now go to another team and try to find the same type of journey, and that, one day, they can become winners. But it’s all about people. It’s not about wishbones or uprights or wings, it’s about the people.”
Having clinched his own two titles with McLaren in the late 1990s, did Hakkinen ever feel tempted to join Maranello and compete under the iconic red banner?
“No,” he giggled. When I was racing, they probably would have been happy to have me. But Michael Schumacher was there. I didn’t want to be next to him!”
