Hamilton to Ferrari Sparks Controversy as F1 Figures Question the Move

Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season continues to divide opinion in the F1 world.

The seven-time World Champion’s decision to activate a release clause in his Mercedes contract after 12 seasons has been met with skepticism by notable figures, including Flavio Briatore, Mattia Binotto, and Eddie Jordan.

Briatore: “I Would Not Have Contracted Hamilton”

Former Renault team principal Flavio Briatore, now an advisor at Alpine, has criticized Ferrari’s decision to replace Carlos Sainz with Hamilton.

“It will be strange to see Lewis in a Ferrari,” Briatore told Sport Bild. “I respect such decisions, but I wonder if it makes sense. I don’t understand why this great duo [Leclerc and Sainz] has been torn apart. If I was the person in charge at Ferrari, I would not have contracted Hamilton.”

Briatore’s comments reflect the growing concern that Ferrari disrupted a proven driver pairing in favor of an aging star whose best years may be behind him.

Binotto and Jordan Echo Concerns

Mattia Binotto, Ferrari’s former team principal, also expressed doubts about the move. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Binotto said he wouldn’t have signed Hamilton, though he acknowledged that the Briton’s decision to join Ferrari made sense for him personally.

Eddie Jordan, known for his outspoken views, was even harsher in his assessment. On the Formula For Success podcast, Jordan criticized Ferrari chairman John Elkann for letting Sainz go, saying:

“John Elkann must have rocks in his head to have made that decision. When people like Sainz are delivering at the level he is, why would you replace him? It’s baffling.”

Jordan also questioned Hamilton’s mindset after the Briton admitted to doubts about his speed during the 2024 season.

Impact on Carlos Sainz

Sainz, a two-time race winner in 2024, was visibly emotional about the decision. According to Jordan, Sainz and his father were in tears over Ferrari’s choice to part ways with him. Sainz will join Williams for the 2025 season, signing a multi-year deal.

Hamilton’s Challenge at Ferrari

Hamilton’s move reunites him with Fred Vasseur, his former GP2 team boss. However, he faces the monumental task of proving critics wrong as he partners Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s long-term star.

Hamilton aims to secure his elusive eighth World Championship, but the scrutiny surrounding his move underscores the challenges ahead. Ferrari will need to deliver a competitive car and manage the dynamics of having two strong-willed drivers in the team.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Hamilton-Ferrari partnership will be under the microscope. While the move represents a new chapter for the F1 legend, it has already sparked heated debate about its impact on Ferrari’s future and Sainz’s career trajectory.

In other news, ‘Area of focus’: The director of Mercedes points out the ‘big gap’ to F1 rivals that must be fixed ahead of the 2025 season