Lewis Hamilton is expected to be a “serious contender” when he joins Ferrari, according to former F1 team manager Eddie Jordan.
Hamilton’s long-term partnership with Mercedes will end in 2025 when he teams up with Charles Leclerc.
The announcement of the seven-time world champion’s departure before of the upcoming season stunned the sports community.
In an interview for the most recent edition of the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan gave his explanation for why he believed Hamilton had to move teams because he had lost his “mojo” at Mercedes.
Jordan remarked, “I think he needed a new home; I think his mojo was up at Mercedes.” “And frequently, when individuals are under so much time, strain, or stress, you need to find another set of boundaries, which is why I believe Lewis got there.
To be honest, I don’t think it has anything to do with contracts or money. I believe he feels that Ferrari is a magical place to go, thus he would like to see his career end there. Furthermore, he plans to move to Italy, which makes sense to me. He plans to become fluent in the language, which I believe is crucial because failing to do so will prevent you from becoming accepted inside the Ferrari walls.
Is he going to be able to win another World Championship? They seem really powerful to me. We are all quite thrilled with Fred Vasseur because, in my opinion, he has given the team a magical sense of tranquility.
Speaking on the same program, co-host David Coulthard expressed reservations that, considering their age gap, Hamilton will be able to maintain a cordial relationship with Leclerc.
“What is your prediction for his relationship with Charles Leclerc?” Coulthard continued.
“I’ve stated that, in my opinion, Lewis will face significant challenges from Charles, who is one of the fastest guys at 27. Well, he will turn forty this year. While I don’t doubt Lewis’ intelligence, this is just the normal progression of a person’s career.
Lewis must be at the stage where he has gained all the necessary experience, but I find it unbelievable that at that age, he is becoming faster. And while I am aware that this may anger Lewis’s supporters, I must admit that I would be thrilled to witness him defying aging and that Charles and he will be engaged in a close fight.
Jordan, however, predicts “fireworks” and is certain Hamilton will return to his best.
“In my view, I disagree,” Jordan declared in closing. “Because I’m pretty sure the new regulations won’t apply for the following year, ’25, so he’ll basically be driving the car he has this year.”
“I believe that at 39, Lewis’s appearance in red overalls, similar to his departure from McLaren and transfer to Mercedes, was a spectacular sight. Lewis will definitely give it his all the next year before ’26, and I believe he will be a strong candidate for the World Championship. Anything is possible.