Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming switch to Ferrari from Mercedes in 2025 marks a monumental shift in Formula 1, promising an exciting new dynamic in the sport.
His former teammate and 2009 F1 World Champion, Jenson Button, believes Hamilton will face “a different way of racing” at the legendary Italian team.
After a stellar career with Mercedes, where Hamilton secured seven World Championships, he will replace Carlos Sainz and join forces with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari next season. This unexpected move has set the motorsport world abuzz, particularly with how Hamilton and Leclerc will coexist as teammates.
Button, who shared the McLaren garage with Hamilton from 2010 to 2012, weighed in on the potential dynamics between the new Ferrari pair. “If it was Lewis of seven or eight years ago, it would be a tricky relationship,” Button remarked on the Sky Sports F1 podcast.
“But now, he just seems so relaxed in himself. I don’t think they’re going to have issues as teammates at all, no more than Carlos and Charles have right now.”
Hamilton’s extensive experience and maturity are seen as assets that will help him adapt to the unique challenges at Ferrari. “Do I think they’ll work well together? Yes,” Button continued.
“Charles knows the team, speaks Italian, and could make it difficult for Lewis if he wanted to, but that’s part of racing. It’s about getting the team behind you, which gives you strength and can take away strength from your teammate.”
Button highlighted that Hamilton’s seasoned career has equipped him to handle intra-team rivalries adeptly. “Lewis has been around long enough to understand the situation, and I’m really looking forward to that fight between teammates.”
Joining Ferrari also means Hamilton will have to embrace the distinct culture and ethos of the team. Unlike other teams where drivers might prioritize personal glory, Ferrari’s philosophy centres around collective success. “In every other team, you can kind of say, ‘Yeah, the driver is out for himself’. But in Ferrari, everyone works for Ferrari. It’s all about Ferrari winning the world championships,” Button explained.
For Hamilton, who has been a superstar in Formula 1, adjusting to this team-centric approach could be challenging but ultimately rewarding. “It’s a different way of racing, definitely, for someone like Lewis, who is such a star in this sport. Suddenly, he’s working for Ferrari to win the championship,” Button added.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari not only reshapes his career but also adds a thrilling new chapter to the ongoing saga of Formula 1. The combination of Hamilton’s experience and Leclerc’s familiarity with Ferrari sets the stage for a fascinating 2025 season.
