David Croft believes it is now or never for Lewis Hamilton as he aims to win a record-breaking eighth Formula 1 World Championship with Ferrari next season.
The Briton tied Michael Schumacher’s record for the most World Drivers’ Championships, both having won the title on seven occasions, back in 2020.
Chasing the elusive eighth in 2021, Hamilton fell just short as Max Verstappen was victorious in the controversial Abu Dhabi finale.
The following three seasons with Mercedes did not go smoothly for the 40-year-old as he announced his departure from the Silver Arrows to Ferrari at the start of last year.
Hamilton began his preparations for the 2025 season when he took to his first outing for the Scuderia last week in Fiorano.
The expectations continue to rise as the season opener in Australia reaches closer.
Sky Sports F1 commentator ‘Crofty’ thinks Hamilton’s best bet at winning another championship is in 2025.
“What I would say is this might be Lewis’ best chance of an eighth World title,” Croft said at the Autosport Awards.
“Given the season that it could be in terms of teams won’t be throwing developments week after week after week.
“Because they’ve got 2026 to think about.
“I do think Ferrari will be the most keen to get the most out of 2025 of the big four teams because it’s so long since they won something.
“And they want to prove that Lewis is the right man and or Charles [Leclerc] as well.”
Red Bull chief says Ferrari ‘suits’ Hamilton
Fans and media alike flocked to the Prancing Horse’s private track to catch a glimpse of the seven-time World Champion.
Hamilton completed his second test for Ferrari in a private test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya track – where he spun off into the barriers impacting Charles Leclerc’s running.
Speaking of his move to the Maranello-based squad, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed his joy in seeing Hamilton making the switch to red for 2025.
“I’ve seen some pictures, I think it suits him,” Horner said at the Autosport Awards.
“I think it’s great for Formula 1.
“Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari, that really is box office.
“So I think it’s just another dynamic for this year that could be super exciting.”
He added: “I think it’s going to be super tight.
“You’re going to have four teams that are going to be very competitive.
“I think it’s going to be very tight and take your pick.
“McLaren are going to be strong, Ferrari are going to be strong, Mercedes are going to have something to prove as well so it could be a stellar year.”
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