Ex-F1 champion urges Lewis Hamilton to ‘speak up’ at Ferrari over fear of losing edge

After a taxing 2024 campaign for Lewis Hamilton, Mika Hakkinen urged the Briton to speak up to Ferrari regarding his peformance ceiling.


Ex-F1 champion urges Lewis Hamilton to ‘speak up’ at Ferrari over fear of losing edge

Lewis Hamilton and Mika Hakkinen, images via IMAGO and Getty

Lewis Hamilton is regarded as the GOAT of F1 by multiple sections of the paddock. However, he risks losing his title according to experts if his reputations is tainted by mediocre campaigns, like the one in 2024. This led ex-F1 champion Mika Hakkinen to injunct the Briton to have a discussion with Ferrari regarding his performance capabilities amidst his move to Maranello.

Driving for Ferrari is a dream of every kid in the motorsport world. It is the most successful manufacturer in the history of the sport only a few drivers are able to get the chance of getting their name on the elite list of drivers that have driven for the Scuderia.

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On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton is the biggest name in the world of F1 having amassed seven world titles. Moreover, the announcement of the partnership broke the internet last year. However, since then, things have shaked up a bit in the F1 scene and Hamilton finished an all-time low seventh in the drivers’ standings in 2024.

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Subsequently, this raised eyebrows regarding his performance ceiling. Though it was slightly biased due to the recalcitrant W15, it was still not taken up greatly by the F1 world. Including Mika Hakkinen, who gave reminisced about his decision to retire at the end of 2001 and urged Hamilton to think in this direction.

If something similar has happened to him, he has to speak. He’s the right person to answer that, but he has committed now for the future. So, I’m sure he will work on it to get things right for this year.

Mika Hakkinen said (via PlanetF1)

Regardless of this, the 39-year-old is welcomed with open arms at Maranello. Ferrari leadership would ensure that Hamilton feels at home at the Italian powerhouse. This would enable him to extract his full potential. Simultaneously, squash any speculations regarding his time in F1.

Lewis Hamilton readies up for his move to Maranello

While the paddock spools up rumors regarding Hamilton, he is repping up to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari. The 39-year-old is ecstatic for his next move and would be hoping to etch his name in the history books.

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton, image via X/highsnobeity

Nonetheless, the Briton looked up to his new role at Maranello. He asserted that he would join the team with the same focus and determination as what he brought in when he joined Mercedes back in 2013.

It takes time to build new relationships and learn the tools and everything. Coming into next year[2025] with that same focus, that same might that I had when I joined Mercedes and with ultimately that leap of faith, I think is exciting and exhilarating.

Lewis Hamilton said (via Motorsport Week)

On the other hand, Charles Leclerc would not easily let go off his grasp of the Scuderia. The Monegasque would like to retain his priority status within the team. Thus, Hamilton might have to get in a scramble with Leclerc to have the upper hand in the intra-team relations.