Formula 1: Now in red: Hamilton’s new beginning at the age of 40

Lewis Hamilton used his first words as a new Ferrari driver to send a message to his many millions of fans worldwide: “To everyone who wants to take the next step in 2025: embrace the change.” He knows what he’s talking about. Hamilton takes the next step, Hamilton faces the ultimate challenge of Formula 1.

The news of his move from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 season brought the fast-paced motorsport world to a brief standstill almost a year ago. He, who became record world champion Michael Schumacher’s successor at the Silver Arrows on January 1, 2013, now wants to lead the Scuderia to new fame and new titles, just like Schumacher once did.

Does Hamilton do it better than Vettel or Alonso?

A project in which big names have already failed. Fernando Alonso failed to make it as a two-time champion. Sebastian Vettel was unable to add another to his four titles with Red Bull in Ferrari. The Scuderia’s last drivers’ title was over 17 years ago. In 2007, Kimi Räikkönen won with the Red Goddess.

The fact that it was Hamilton’s first season in Formula 1 and that he missed the title back then, mainly because of a completely escalated team duel with Alonso in the McLaren, is part of the remarkable vita of the Brit, who is celebrating his 40th birthday this Tuesday. “I couldn’t be more excited,” Hamilton wrote on LinkedIn. “With the move to Scuderia Ferrari there is a lot to reflect on.”

It brings together the most successful driver in the history of the premier motorsport class with seven titles, 105 Grand Prix victories and 104 pole positions and the racing team that still exerts the greatest fascination, no matter where Formula 1 stops.

Ferrari has been there since 1950, every year without exception – that’s unique. A myth, a brand that attracted racing icons such as Alberto Ascari, Juan-Manuel Fangio, Jacky Ickx, Clay Regazzoni, Niki Lauda, ​​Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and many more to Maranello. “There are many fairy tales about Ferrari and what it feels like to drive a red car,” Vettel once said after his first hours of service in the red dress: “I can only confirm these stories.”

Past achievements alone will not be enough

The question of what Hamilton is still capable of at 40 years old on the track remains to be clarified. The first indications will be given at the end of February during the test drives in Bahrain, and things will get serious in mid-March in Melbourne at the season opener.

Speed ​​problems in qualifying last season made some people doubt Hamilton’s qualities, and he himself was at a loss. During the race, the Brit showed several times what he can still do. And it is clear that the Ferrari is likely to be the winning car this year too.

The first reference for Hamilton will be his new teammate Charles Leclerc. The 27-year-old from Monaco speaks fluent Italian, is fully integrated, is starting his seventh season with the Scuderia and wants to finally win the title for the first time. Hamilton, on the other hand, for whom Carlos Sainz had to vacate the cockpit despite very good performances, is the newcomer.

His past achievements alone will not guarantee him exceptional status. Hamilton will have to deliver. If he even manages to win the title, he will once again advance into new spheres. Not just because he would then be the sole record champion. “At the age of 40, he is ready to write another chapter, perhaps the most fascinating, of his incredible career,” said the Gazzetta dello Sport.

Addressing his fans and probably also a bit to himself, Hamilton added in his post on LinkedIn: “Remember that it is powerful to reinvent yourself.” The next chance is always within reach, he said, and before he appropriately said goodbye with “Andiamo” (Let’s go), Hamilton wrote: “Let’s make it an unforgettable year.”