One-time Formula 1 winner Jean Alesi believes Ferrari’s signing of Lewis Hamilton for 2025 represents the sport’s “coup of the century”.
Hamilton has been associated with Mercedes throughout his 17-year career in F1 to date and has become the series’ most successful driver with the marque’s backing.
The Briton had appeared destined to conclude his career with the German brand’s works team after signing a new two-year contract extension through 2025 in August.
However, it was announced last week that Hamilton had activated a break clause in the terms of that deal to negotiate a switch to Ferrari from the beginning of next season.
Although Hamilton has not landed an F1 victory since December 2021, Alesi has been left impressed with the Italian outfit’s acquisition of the 103-time grand prix winner.
Speaking to the French newspaper Nice Martin, Alesi, who drove for Ferrari between 1991 and 1995, described the transfer as “the coup of the century in Formula 1″.
“Having a seven-time World Champion who, after a career practically unique with Mercedes [and] he arrives at Ferrari, it’s fantastic,” Alesi added.
The Frenchman also reckons that discussions between the two parties had taken place in the background long before an agreement was reached on a multi-year deal.
Prior to Hamilton penning his last Mercedes contract, both the driver and Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur denied that conversations over a move had been held.
“We knew there had been a lot of discussions behind the scenes since last year there were negotiations, I don’t think the decision was made yesterday,” Alesi contended.
“It was taken a few months ago, and it was a well-kept secret, obviously, given the earthquake caused by the news on Thursday evening.”
Hamilton’s switch will see him reunited with Vasseur, who founded the ART Grand Prix team that the Briton drove for when he dominated the GP2 championship in 2006.
“Obviously Vasseur had an important role, and the decision was made carefully,” Alesi assessed. “Lewis won’t go to Ferrari just to make up the numbers. He evaluated and studied everything.
“He knows Vasseur very well because he grew up in his teams. He believes in him and in his project.”
Hamilton will arrive at Ferrari bidding to achieve a record eighth Drivers’ title while simultaneously ending the illustrious side’s championship drought dating back to 2008.
The Maranello-based squad has fielded other multiple World Champions in that time such as Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel without ultimate success.
However, Alesi considers the upcoming regulation overhaul in 2026 will present an opportunity for the Ferrari and Hamilton partnership to end that protracted wait.
“Prost was another era, and the same goes for Alonso,” Alesi argued.
“There are new technical regulations on the horizon. Lewis has chosen a manufacturer that he believes can deal with this change in the best possible way. The stages were planned before him, as well as resources. He knows where he’s going.
“So yes, I think he can do it. In any case, I dare to hope that he does not have the same unpleasant surprises that Alain or Fernando have had in the past,” he concluded.
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