Valtteri Bottas believes Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari could prove to be the “good trigger” that inspires his ex-team-mate to rediscover his best level again in Formula 1.
Hamilton is embarking on a new chapter in his illustrious career in 2025 with Ferrari having taken the decision to conclude his association with Mercedes 12 months ago.
The Briton will be aiming to achieve a record eighth Drivers’ title during his time with the Maranello-based squad, which hasn’t revelled in a championship win since 2008.
However, there has been wide scepticism surrounding how Hamilton, now 40, will get on at Ferrari amid the troubles that he endured throughout the previous campaign.
Despite his last season at Mercedes comprising an end to his win drought on home soil at Silverstone, Hamilton struggled to gel with the squad’s recalcitrant W15 car.
But Bottas, who partnered the seven-time F1 champion at Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, has backed a change in environment to be the stimulus that revitalises Hamilton.
When asked whether it would be nice to see Hamilton on top again by Sky Sports, Bottas answered: “Of course, he’s highly motivated for the year.
“It’s something new and refreshing for him, which can be a good trigger sometimes. But also keen to see how they get on with Charles [Leclerc].
Bottas predicts close battle at the front
Ferrari goes into the upcoming campaign well-poised to provide Hamilton with a title-contending car as it ended 2024 as the highest-scoring team in the last eight races.
But with the leading quartet all exchanging victories across that period, Bottas, who has returned to Mercedes in a reserve role, suspects it will be a close battle at the front.
“It’s going to be good to watch, I can already tell that,” he assessed.
“Because the gaps are quite small at the top, even between four, five teams, it’s going to be really hard to predict, which is good. I think it’s good for the spectators, it’s good for the sport.
“The first few races will give a direction, but, like we saw last year with the small margins, if somebody makes a step, that’s a game changer.
“Of course, I hope that Mercedes can be in the fight for the championship which is everyone’s target over here [this season].”
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