Ex-Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has admitted that he would’ve liked to have seen Lewis Hamilton leave Mercedes and complete a move to Ferrari, with the former Sky Sports F1 pundit believing that the 38-year-old is a “perfect fit” for the Italians.
During Hamilton’s recent contract negotiations with Mercedes, it was reported that he received an offer to join Ferrari directly from the outfit’s chairman John Elkann, but that he declined the move in order to remain with the Silver Arrows.
Hamilton has previously stated how it’d be his dream to race for the Maranello-based team; however, a move is now extremely unlikely given that he’ll still be at Mercedes at the age of 40.
The 103-time race winner recently signed a new two-year deal with Mercedes, keeping him with the Germans until at least the end of 2025.
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Whilst a move to Ferrari for 2026 isn’t impossible, it’s extremely unlikely given how old Hamilton will be then.
Herbert thinks that Hamilton decided to extend his deal with Mercedes due to having “belief” in the side, although the ex-Benetton driver can’t help but think a switch to Ferrari would’ve been magical.
“He may be aware of what may be happening in the future with Mercedes and has been satisfied that is where his future is. Still, I would have liked to have seen the final part of his career in a Ferrari,” Herbert said, as reported by The Mirror.
“I honestly think he was the right character and the perfect fit for them.
“If he is happy where he is, for him, that is the best mental place for him to be. You have got to have belief in where you are at and Lewis does, which is why he re-signed.”
The goal for Mercedes and Hamilton over the next two seasons is to get back to the top of the sport, something they are currently not on the verge of achieving.
Whilst they have shown promise at times this season, Red Bull have on the whole been far superior.
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Work clearly still needs to be done by Mercedes to give Hamilton a car which can fight for the title; however, Herbert doesn’t think the Silver Arrows have this in their locker.
“Based on the last couple of years, I don’t see Lewis getting an eighth title,” Herbert admitted.
“The car has got better since they changed from the original concept, but they are only as good as the gap behind Red Bull.
“They are not ahead of the game. Can they turn it around? I don’t know. I haven’t seen those positive signs. They have gone forward but not very far. The car is not a race winner.”