Lewis Hamilton Considering Move to Ferrari Amidst Mercedes Struggles, Says David Coulthard

Amidst Lewis Hamilton’s challenging start to the 2024 Formula 1 season with Mercedes, speculation is rife about his potential move to Ferrari next year, according to former F1 driver David Coulthard.

Hamilton, who is in his final season with Mercedes before reportedly joining Ferrari in 2025, has faced difficulties with the W15 car, resulting in underwhelming performances at the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Coulthard remarked on Channel 4, “He’s just not been settled with this car. You can tell. George [Russell] is owning the lap time right now. You can feel that Lewis is on the back foot. What we do know is that if he can find a window of performance then he will deliver. But right now? It’s looking like his decision to head off to Ferrari… Mentally, he’s already there!”

Hamilton, who will turn 40 when he embarks on his Ferrari journey, is expected to partner with Charles Leclerc, forming an exciting duo for the Italian team.

Ferrari president John Elkann expressed confidence in Hamilton’s potential, stating, “I have always said over the years how much Lewis is a great driver, how much he has done for F1. He will join Ferrari and this is a sign of how much he believes he can do great things with us.”

However, Hamilton must navigate through another challenging year with Mercedes, hoping for improvements to the W15 car to address its major flaws.

Discussions among Sky Sports pundits were divided regarding Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari amidst Mercedes’ struggles. While Naomi Schiff suggested that Mercedes entered the season with high hopes despite facing limitations, Karun Chandhok argued that Hamilton was aware of the challenges awaiting him at Mercedes.

“I don’t actually think so,” Naomi Schiff said. “It seems they came into the season with really high hopes.

“Maybe they didn’t have the outright pace to beat the Red Bulls but, after testing, there was ambition from them that they’d be the best of the rest, maybe with Ferrari. That hasn’t played out yet.”

Chandhok stated, “I am going to disagree. I think he did know. What they put out there – the messages of positivity – are one thing. But I think he knew that it’s going to be a tough year.”

As Hamilton grapples with his current predicament at Mercedes, the anticipation builds for his potential move to Ferrari, signaling a new chapter in his illustrious career.