Lewis Hamilton‘s shocking move to Ferrari has left former F1 boss Flavio Briatore scratching his head. The legendary driver will join the Italian team in 2025, but not everyone thinks it’s a smart move.
“It will be strange to see Lewis in a Ferrari,” Briatore told Sport Bild. He just can’t understand why Ferrari would break up their current dream team of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
The timing seems odd. Ferrari just finished an incredible 2024 season, coming within 14 points of winning their first constructors’ championship since 2008. Leclerc and Sainz were really hitting their stride together.
“If I was the person in charge at Ferrari, I wouldn’t have signed Hamilton,” Briatore said bluntly.
It’s worth noting that Briatore knows a thing or two about bringing superstar drivers to teams. He’s the guy who brought Michael Schumacher to Benetton, leading to world championships in 1994 and 1995. He pulled off the same magic with Fernando Alonso at Renault, winning titles in 2005 and 2006.
Hamilton’s move is huge news in the F1 world. After 12 seasons with Mercedes, the seven-time world champion will join Ferrari just before turning 40. He’ll be teaming up with Leclerc in what could be one of the most powerful driver partnerships in recent memory.
Briatore’s now back in F1 as an advisor at Alpine after a long absence following the Crashgate scandal. He’s helping call the shots on driver choices there, where Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan will race in 2025.
Speaking of Doohan, the young Australian’s seat isn’t totally secure. Briatore’s already been talking with other drivers like Franco Colapinto, making it clear that changes could happen if performance isn’t up to par.
The pressure’s definitely on at both Ferrari and Alpine as the 2025 season approaches. Will Hamilton prove Briatore wrong? We’ll have to wait and see.
