Former F1 team founder Giancarlo Minardi opines that Ferrari’s decision to sign Lewis Hamilton for 2025 is a mistake.
Hamilton’s announcement earlier this month, departing from Mercedes to join the Italian team, sent ripples across the Formula One realm.
Hamilton had previously extended his contract with Mercedes, suggesting he might end his career with the Silver Arrows.
However, amidst speculation about his intentions, Ferrari disclosed an agreement for him to switch teams in 2025.
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Ferrari had pursued Hamilton before, making this deal a significant statement of intent.
Yet, not everyone shares the conviction that swapping Carlos Sainz for Hamilton is the right move.
Minardi is sceptical about Ferrari’s choice, stating to Quotidiano: “If we talk about marketing, it’s a brilliant operation, so hats off to John Elkann. But if we talk about Formula 1 then the situation changes.”
He acknowledges the commercial appeal of pairing a seven-time world champion with the iconic ‘Lady in Red’.
However, from a motorsport perspective, Minardi expresses reluctance towards signing someone like Hamilton.
Despite Hamilton being 40 upon joining Ferrari, concerns about his age and the need for significant improvement persist.
Minardi, however, dismisses age as a decisive factor, citing Fernando Alonso’s continued competitiveness at an older age.
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Minardi argues: “I swear that in my reasoning the registry office doesn’t matter. Fernando Alonso is even older than Lewis but is still very strong. And Hamilton is still competitive too.”
He contends that Ferrari’s lack of titles in recent years can’t solely be attributed to their drivers.
Minardi maintains that success in F1 hinges more on having a winning car, likening drivers to the finishing touches on a house rather than its foundation.