Over the past 12 years, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have cemented their places in Formula One history, forming one of the most dominant and successful partnerships in the sport. However, that remarkable era came to an unexpected and turbulent end when Hamilton activated his release clause and announced his move to Ferrari last February.
The decision sent shockwaves through the F1 world, as few could have imagined such a departure—especially after Hamilton himself expressed, just last year, his intention to remain with Mercedes until the end of his career.
Between 2014 and 2020, Hamilton and Mercedes reigned supreme in F1, with the Brit winning six of his seven world titles during that dominant era. However, the allure of Ferrari proved irresistible for the 40-year-old, prompting a bold move to the iconic Italian team.
Hamilton will team up with rising star Charles Leclerc, reigniting his pursuit of a record-breaking eighth world championship. With Ferrari widely regarded as having the strongest driver lineup heading into the season, speculation is rife about whether Hamilton can reclaim F1 glory after his agonizing near miss in 2021 and a winless 2022 campaign.
Can Hamilton defy the odds and conquer Formula One once more, or will he fall short in the face of fierce competition? Do the numbers support his title ambitions, or are they stacked against him? Are the stats in his favor or against him? Read on to find out.
Hamilton Poised To Win His 8th Title With Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton is set to make his highly anticipated competitive debut for Ferrari, nearly a year after sending shockwaves through the sporting world with his decision to leave Mercedes—a move he described as one of the “hardest decisions” of his career” .
As the Brit gears up to compete in the Australian Grand Prix, taking place from March 14th to 16th, many believe he is well-positioned to return to the top step of the podium. With a fresh challenge ahead, here’s why Hamilton could be on course to finally secure his record-breaking eighth Formula One title.
Wealth of Experience
In sports, experience is often a defining factor in shaping both favorites and eventual champions—and Lewis Hamilton is certainly not lacking in that department.
In 2008, he became the youngest driver in F1 history to win a world title at just 23 years, 9 months, and 26 days old. Over the next 13 years, Hamilton dominated the sport, shattering records along the way. He became the first driver to reach 100 Grand Prix victories and 100 pole positions, cementing his status as one of the greatest drivers of all time.
With this unparalleled track record of success, Hamilton’s wealth of experience gives him a clear edge over his rivals as he sets his sights on the 2025 Formula One title.
Motivated by a Sense of Injustice
Hamilton has every reason to believe that his eighth F1 crown should have been secured in 2021. In one of the most controversial finales in F1 history, the Brit was denied the championship in dramatic fashion, preventing him from cementing his status as the sport’s undisputed greatest driver. A victory that season would have taken him beyond Michael Schumacher’s joint record of seven world titles, solidifying his place at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Now, as Hamilton embarks on a new chapter with Ferrari, he will look to channel the frustration of that heartbreaking 2021 defeat to Max Verstappen into fuel for redemption—driving him toward the elusive eighth world championship he has long pursued.
Ferrari Ready to End Their Title Drought
Ferrari’s failure to win a championship since 2008 must have been at the back of Hamilton’s mind when he decided to sign for them. However, the Scuderia has been making steady progress toward reclaiming its place at the top finishing just 14 points behind current champions, McLaren in 2024. With Hamilton now in their ranks, their title prospects have never looked stronger.
Ferrari’s Chief Executive, Benedetto Vigna recently expressed confidence that the team is finally ready to end its 17-year wait for championship glory—a wait that, ironically, began the same year Hamilton clinched his first world title. “There is a lot of (excitement), there is a lot of desire to start,” he said in a statement. “We are preparing the last things…We are ready for almost everything, nothing else but we will prepare it. Changes are always beautiful.”
In pursuit of this goal, Ferrari has introduced a key technical innovation for 2025, shifting from a push-rod suspension to a pull-rod system. This change is expected to enhance aerodynamics and improve airflow around the car, potentially giving Ferrari the competitive edge they need to challenge for the title once again.
Hamilton “Revitalised” But Faces a Fight For The Title
Hamilton enters the new season with renewed energy, convinced that he is exactly where he is supposed to be. Expressing confidence in his new team, the seven-time world champion stated, “They’ve got absolutely every ingredient they need to win a world championship.It’s just about putting all the pieces together.”
Despite his optimism, Hamilton is still adjusting to his new environment, a challenge he has rarely faced in his illustrious career. As he embarks on this new chapter, several factors could stand in the way of his long-awaited eighth world title. Here’s why Hamilton might fall short in 2025.
Ferrari’s Strategy Under the Microscope
Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s new teammate, voiced his frustrations last season after struggling with a lack of grip during the Canadian Prix. The team’s pit wall and garage strategies came under heavy criticism as tyre temperatures failed to reach optimal levels due to low track temperatures and a newly resurfaced circuit.
These strategic missteps proved costly for Leclerc, whose delayed first pit stop dashed any hopes of a podium finish. If Ferrari fails to address these operational inefficiencies, similar errors could significantly hinder Hamilton’s title ambitions in 2025.
Hamilton’s Age
While Lewis Hamilton remains in peak physical condition, the reality is that time is not on his side. Sports often favor youth, and Hamilton is no longer the fresh-faced 23-year-old who stormed to his first Formula One title in 2008. At 40 years old, he is now the second-oldest driver on the grid, behind only Fernando Alonso (43).
Although age alone doesn’t rule him out of contention, Formula One is a sport that demands rapid reflexes, lightning-fast reactions, resilience, and quick recovery—all of which naturally decline over time. As Hamilton embarks on this new challenge with Ferrari, it remains to be seen whether his vast experience can outweigh the physical toll of competing at the highest level.
Fiercer Competition Than Ever
Hamilton is well aware that Formula One today is vastly different from the era in which he dominated title after title with minimal resistance. In recent years, competition has reached an all-time high, while Mercedes’ struggles have further complicated his path to an eighth championship.
Now, Hamilton’s biggest challenge remains Max Verstappen, the man who has established himself as the sport’s dominant force. But Verstappen is far from his only obstacle. He will also have to contend with both past and present teammates, as well as a new generation of rising stars. With Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Kimi Antonelli, and Liam Lawson all hungry for success, Hamilton faces what is arguably the toughest title fight of his career.
What the Stats Say: Can Hamilton Deliver Once Again?
The last time Ferrari won a championship, Hamilton was celebrating his first F1 title. The team’s last Driver’s Champion was Kimi Raikkonen in 2007, and while they have endured a lengthy title drought, their recent resurgence has been notable. In 2024, Ferrari finished second in the Constructors’ Championship, missing out on the title to McLaren by just 14 points—a clear sign of their growing competitiveness.
Meanwhile, Mercedes’ fortunes have been mixed in recent years. Though they have remained a strong contender, they have faced increasing pressure from rivals, particularly Ferrari and Red Bull.
Hamilton’s tenure with Mercedes was nothing short of extraordinary, delivering seven world titles and cementing his place among the sport’s greatest drivers. However, recent seasons have been challenging. The Brit secured just two race wins in 2024—his first since 2021—and found himself out- qualified by teammate George Russell 19-5 over the course of the season.
Despite this, Hamilton’s career statistics underline his enduring capability. He shares the record for most World Championships (7) with Michael Schumacher and holds all-time records for wins (105), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (202).
His transition to Mercedes in 2013 saw him finish fourth in the championship, securing five podiums, five pole positions, and one race victory. But it was the 2014 season that marked the beginning of a dominant era. Mercedes won 16 of 19 races, with Hamilton claiming a career-best 11 victories and triumphing in a season-long battle with teammate Nico Rosberg.
Final Thoughts
As the 2025 F1 season prepares to get underway, all eyes are on Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari. With an illustrious career and a renewed drive to succeed, Hamilton is poised to be a key contender. Ferrari’s steady resurgence and strategic advancements provide a strong foundation, but McLaren enters the season as the favorite to claim the championship year due to their strong performance in the previous season, where they won the constructors’ championship.
However, the road to victory will be far from easy. Max Verstappen, Hamilton’s longtime rival, remains a formidable force, while Charles Leclerc, now his teammate, will be equally determined to stake his claim. Ferrari, though confident in their title prospects, must ensure they deliver a competitive package. Loïc
Serra, the team’s chassis technical director, has emphasized that the design changes in the SF-25 will offer greater aerodynamic flexibility. With the 2025 Ferrari car being 99% different from its predecessor, the team aims to mount a serious title challenge. Their second-place finish in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, just 14 points behind McLaren, signals their growing potential.
As the season unfolds, the question remains: Can Hamilton lead Ferrari back to championship glory and secure his long-awaited eighth title, cementing his legacy as one of F1’s all-time greats? Fans around the world eagerly await the answer.
