In a stunning assessment that's set tongues wagging across the Formula 1 world, former Renault team principal Flavio Briatore has declared Lewis Hamilton's impending move to Ferrari as nothing short of "sensational for Formula 1".
The Game-Changing Transfer
The seven-time world champion's shock decision to leave Mercedes after 12 years and join the iconic Scuderia Ferrari in 2025 continues to dominate F1 discussions. Briatore, never one to mince words, believes this transfer represents far more than just a driver change—it's a watershed moment for the sport itself.
"Hamilton at Ferrari is something incredible, sensational for Formula 1, for Ferrari, for Hamilton, and for Mercedes," Briatore told Italian newspaper La Repubblica, capturing the magnitude of this unprecedented move.
Why This Move Changes Everything
Briatore's analysis points to several transformative aspects of Hamilton's Ferrari switch:
- Renewed Championship Rivalry: The Italian veteran believes Hamilton's presence at Ferrari will ignite fierce competition with current champion Max Verstappen and Red Bull
- Global Attention Surge: The move has already generated unprecedented media coverage and fan engagement worldwide
- Team Dynamics Reshuffle: Hamilton's partnership with Charles Leclerc creates one of the most formidable driver lineups in recent memory
The Mercedes Legacy Question
While some might view Hamilton's departure from Mercedes as a betrayal, Briatore sees it differently. He suggests that after Mercedes' recent performance struggles, Hamilton needed a fresh challenge to reignite his championship ambitions.
"If Mercedes had given him a competitive car, he would have stayed," Briatore stated bluntly, highlighting the performance issues that likely influenced Hamilton's decision.
What This Means for 2025
The F1 landscape is poised for dramatic transformation. With Hamilton in Ferrari red and young talents like Andrea Kimi Antonelli potentially filling his Mercedes seat, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated in recent history.
Briatore's endorsement underscores what many in the paddock are thinking: Hamilton's Ferrari adventure could redefine his legacy and reshape Formula 1's competitive hierarchy for years to come.
