Ex-Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner believes there are parallels between Lewis Hamilton’s impending Formula 1 switch to Ferrari and his past move to Mercedes.
Hamilton has been aligned with the German outfit his entire F1 career and his move to its works outfit in 2013 has seen him become the series’ most decorated driver.
However, the seven-time champion has not triumphed since December 2021 amid Mercedes’ struggles with the latest ground effect cars and he will depart to Ferrari.
With Ferrari’s revised car leading it to a 1-2 finish in last weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, Steiner reckons Hamilton has made a wise choice to head for pastures new.
Steiner has drawn comparisons to Hamilton’s decision to leave McLaren for Mercedes at the end of 2012 right as the two sides would encounter contrasting fortunes.
“It looks like he is making the right decision,” Steiner, who has been named an ambassador for the Miami Grand Prix, told Sky Sports about Hamilton’s Ferrari move.
“He did that when he left McLaren to go to Mercedes. So maybe he’s got this one right as well.
“But I think for him, it’s more about a new challenge. He was in a team for 11 years, won seven championships, good relationships there.
“It’s just I think that the last step of his career he wants a new challenge. And obviously the last challenge being Ferrari, it is a nice thing to have the opportunity to do this.”
Hamilton will commence his latest career venture with Ferrari as he turns 40, with the Briton’s sights still set on moving clear with a record eighth Drivers’ Championship.
Although Red Bull continues to be the pre-eminent force in F1, Steiner predicts that the upcoming regulation overhaul has the potential to create opportunities for Ferrari.
Regarding the prospect of Hamilton ending the marque’s protracted title drought to become an eight-time F1 World Champion, Steiner said: “I think nothing is impossible.
“And as you well know in 2026, there is a complete new regulation, engine and chassis wise.
“So the cars are being redone then and if he got a little bit of luck and is at the right place, that Ferrari produces a good car, it could be possible that he gets his eighth championship.”
Hamilton will partner Charles Leclerc when he makes the transfer to Ferrari, with Carlos Sainz, who won the race in Melbourne, still without a confirmed drive for 2025.
