In just the second race of the 2025 season, Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has raised doubts about its genuine impact on performance, with some viewing it more as a marketing maneuver than a strategic racing move. Professor Paolo Aversa, a renowned figure in the world of Formula 1, expressed skepticism about the transformative potential Hamilton might bring to the Italian team.
Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari faced setbacks early on, as he and teammate Charles Leclerc secured modest finishes at the Australian Grand Prix. The situation worsened in Shanghai, with both drivers facing disqualification post the Chinese Grand Prix due to regulatory violations – a historic first for Ferrari in Formula 1.
The expectation for Hamilton to swiftly elevate Ferrari’s standing has been tempered by the recent disqualifications, shedding light on the substantial improvements required. Aversa suggested that Hamilton’s allure lies more in his brand value than his current driving prowess, emphasizing the need for Ferrari to capitalize on his marketability rather than immediate performance gains.
Aversa, also a faculty member at King’s College London, highlighted Hamilton’s social media impact on Ferrari, bringing a significant influx of followers and selling out merchandise rapidly. As Ferrari strives to bridge the gap with competitors like McLaren and Red Bull, Aversa underscored the necessity for Ferrari to develop a winning car to support Leclerc’s aspirations, potentially overshadowing Hamilton’s role in the team.
Despite assumptions of Hamilton being the lead driver at Ferrari, Leclerc’s superior performance in the early races challenges this notion, positioning him favorably within the team hierarchy. The ongoing season reflects this dynamic, with Leclerc outshining Hamilton on track while the latter maintains a higher standing in the championship due to previous race results.
The upcoming Japanese Grand Prix on April 6 will offer Ferrari a chance to reassess their strategy following the recent on-track developments, providing valuable insights during the season’s first break.