Helmut Marko claims Lewis Hamilton’s ‘surprising’ Ferrari move ‘very good’ for F1

Helmut Marko mentioned that he was aware that Lewis Hamilton could move to Ferrari in 2025.

Helmut Marko claims Lewis Hamilton’s ‘surprising’ Ferrari move ‘very good’ for F1

Helmut Marko, Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Red Bull Motorsport Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko was recently asked about Lewis Hamilton‘s Ferrari move for 2025. Hamilton shocked the entire sporting world by deciding to ditch Mercedes after spending over a decade at the Brackley-based team in Formula 1.

Helmut Marko explained that there had been a lot of speculation and rumors about Lewis Hamilton possibly moving to Ferrari. It was particularly during winter when there were no races happening and rumors were surrounding potential changes. Despite all this speculation he comes to know about Hamilton’s news one day prior to the official announcement.

There had been rumors but especially in the wintertime, a lot of rumors because no racing is going on. But when it was officially announced, I heard it one day before it was announced.
Helmut Marko told GrandPrix247.com
YouTube video

Marko said he was genuinely surprised by the news. He added that, despite his surprise, the move is actually very positive for Formula 1 as a sport. He believed it brought excitement to the sport, which can be very beneficial in attracting more attention from fans.

FS Video
I was really surprised. And on the other hand for Formula 1, it’s very good.
Helmut Marko added

Helmut Marko highlights Ferrari’s share price increase after Lewis Hamilton’s announcement

Helmut Marko highlighted that Lewis Hamilton is considered as the most successful driver in history. His move to Ferrari had a major impact on Maranello’s share price as it spiked up. This demonstrated the powerful effect that such a high-profile move can have on both marketing and financial aspects of the sport. The 81-year-old said, conversations about which drivers will join which teams for the next season typically begin around July or August. However, the announcement of Hamilton’s transfer has already made a significant impact before this usual time.

This is the most successful driver we have in history, and together with Ferrari even the share price went up. So you see the effect on the marketing and the money side. What happens normally is that you start around July, August to talk about drivers for next year.
Helmut Marko stated
Helmut Marko
Helmut Marko (via IMAGO)

Further, Marko explained that Lewis Hamilton’s move happened earlier than usual, which meant that many of the team deals for the next season had already been completed. The seven-time-world champion’s announcement came so soon, it had likely boosted up the process for other teams and drivers. He mentioned that this situation will definitely be interesting to watch as it unfolds.

And moving by Hamilton so early means everything was earlier. So most of the deals are already done. And yeah, we’ll see. It will definitely be interesting.
Helmut Marko added

Certainly, Helmut Marko highlighted that Lewis Hamilton’s success showed his ability to make a significant impact. Marko reckoned that it is good for the pinnacle of motorsport as a whole that a successful driver like Hamilton will soon be racing for the Scuderia.

In case you missed it: