Hamilton Reveals Schumacher’s Influence in Ferrari Move
In a surprising turn of events, Lewis Hamilton has disclosed how the legacy of Michael Schumacher and the passionate support of the Tifosi inspired his decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Despite strong ties with Mercedes, including a recent two-year contract extension, Hamilton couldn’t resist the allure of Ferrari, particularly as Mercedes struggled to match the pace of reigning champion Red Bull. Activating an exit clause in his contract, Hamilton opted for a new challenge with the Prancing Horse.
Reflecting on the appeal of Ferrari, Hamilton shared his childhood fascination with the team, particularly during Schumacher’s dominant era. He spoke of the awe-inspiring sight of Ferrari fans clad in red at the Italian Grand Prix, painting a vivid picture of the team’s enduring allure.
Hamilton explained: “For every driver growing up, watching the history, watching Michael Schumacher in his prime, I think probably all of us sit in our garage and see the screen pop up and you see the driver in the red car and you wonder what it would be like to be surrounded by the red.”
Hamilton’s decision was also influenced by his admiration for team principal Fred Vasseur, with whom he shares a longstanding relationship dating back to their time in lower formula racing. Hamilton credits Vasseur’s role as instrumental in making his move to Ferrari a reality.
“You go to the Italian GP, and you see a sea of red Ferrari fans, and you can only stand in awe of that. It’s a team that’s not had like huge success, really, since mostly from Michael’s days, but since 2007.
“I saw it as a huge challenge. Without a doubt, even as a kid, I used to play in [computer game] GP2 as Michael in that car. It definitely is a dream, and I’m really, really excited about it.”
As Hamilton prepares to embark on this new chapter of his career, his decision to join Ferrari underscores the team’s enduring appeal and his own quest for fresh challenges in Formula 1. With Schumacher’s legacy looming large and Vasseur’s guidance, Hamilton’s move promises to reshape the dynamics of the sport in the upcoming season.
