The 2025 Formulation One season has solely simply begun, and regardless of the on-track actuality and the rising verdicts, it appears destined to revolve round a single frequent theme till its official conclusion in Abu Dhabi: Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari. The blockbuster transfer of the F1 world, it brings collectively probably the most profitable driver and probably the most profitable workforce in historical past in a single beautiful union. After years of hypothesis, this long-awaited partnership grew to become actuality final February, fulfilling the desires of followers and the British driver himself, who had by no means hidden his need to don Ferrari purple earlier than concluding his record-breaking and illustrious profession.
A transparent assertion of intent
This sudden announcement not solely shocked the world and triggered a domino impact within the driver market but additionally supplied Ferrari with varied benefits linked to the seven-time world champion—each by way of driving talent and expertise. Past the sheer impression of the transfer, Ferrari used this signing to ship a message to its rivals: the workforce is decided to return to successful methods. This effort started months in the past, with Hamilton’s arrival serving as the ultimate piece of the puzzle, following the appointments of Frédéric Vasseur, Loïc Serra, and Charles Leclerc’s contract renewal. A collection of strikes, mixed with the anticipated enhancements to the automobile—although these are but to materialize given the SF-25’s lack of velocity and quite a few weaknesses—had been meant to steer Ferrari again towards success. That objective stays a risk, given the lengthy season forward, and might be inside attain due to the formidable driver pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc—arguably the strongest lineup on the grid, able to maximizing the automobile’s potential throughout varied eventualities.
Nonetheless, because of the unpredictable twists of destiny, that duo may have regarded very totally different. If Ferrari had chosen a unique title—one simply as prestigious—to switch Carlos Sainz alongside Charles Leclerc, historical past might need taken one other path.
A missed alternative?
By choosing an undisputed champion like the previous Mercedes driver, Ferrari might need additionally thought-about Max Verstappen. Disillusioned with the present scenario at Purple Bull and drawn to Ferrari’s attract and progress, the Dutchman would have severely thought-about a suggestion from Maranello. In accordance with sources, throughout a personal check at Mugello final 12 months—the place Max Verstappen was driving a GT automobile from his workforce—he let slip a revealing remark. The four-time world champion allegedly admitted that had Ferrari’s administration reached out to his camp, they’d have given a possible transfer to Maranello critical thought.
It’s unlikely that Max Verstappen will ever affirm this rumor—in actual fact, he’ll in all probability deny it outright. Nonetheless, the comment offers perception into each his willingness to hunt a recent problem exterior of Purple Bull and the chance Ferrari had within the driver market. As a substitute of forming an “immediate workforce” with a right away give attention to successful, Ferrari may have taken an alternate path, shaping the squad right into a long-term mission with room for progress.
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