F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart has expressed concerns that Lewis Hamilton's blockbuster move to Ferrari in 2025 could prove to be a difficult challenge, largely due to the Briton's age.
The seven-time World Champion shocked the motorsport world last February when he announced he would be leaving Mercedes after twelve years to join the Scuderia, the most iconic and storied team in Formula 1.
However, the timing of the switch has raised eyebrows, with Hamilton set to be 40 years old when he makes his grand debut with Ferrari at next year's Australian Grand Prix.
Stewart admitted he was “somewhat surprised” by Hamilton's decision to leave Mercedes and embark on a new challenge while entering the twilight of his career.
"I'm somewhat surprised by that, because of becoming 40 and going into a team that has very recently become very competitive," Stewart explained, speaking on a RacingNews365 podcast.
"It [Ferrari] went down quite a lot. There have been many management structures within the Ferrari Formula 1 team that have been disruptive.”
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Ferrari has indeed hardened several years of inconsistent results and internal turbocharger before stabilizing in recent seasons. The Italian outfit's management has often been a source of tension, with frequent leadership changes that have impacted their competitiveness on the track.
However, under the guidance of team boss Fred Vasseur, the Scuderia has regained its footing and become a more consistent contender at the sharp end of the grid.
Stewart reckons that this resurgence likely played a role in Hamilton's decision to join the team.
"They've now got a more stable situation around them. And Lewis is seeing, when you go to the Ferrari factory, you're impressed,” added the three-time World Champion.
"Hardly any other brand, if you like to call it, in Formula 1, has had anything like the same continuity as Ferrari has had for such a long time."
Despite Ferrari's appeal, Stewart emphasized that Hamilton's age could make the move more challenging than it might have been earlier in his career.
“It's more difficult for him to do it, I think, at 40 years than it would have been if he was 25 or 30 years,” he argued.
"But he's still got the skill and talent. That is obvious at present, such as at the British Grand Prix this year.
"It's unusual [going to Ferrari], but at some point he has to retire as a racing driver. He feels that time has not yet arrived, and I can understand that."
Stewart is well aware of the allure of Ferrari, having nearly joined the Italian team during his own career, back in 1968.
"I committed to drive for Ferrari, but I had to tell them that it was no longer practical because it had become almost an everyday change at Mr Ferrari's moment. So I never did drive with Ferrari,” he recalled.
"But when I went there, I was taken back. It was so impressive. The spirit of the place was amazing. The Italians are great people, they explain themselves very carefully and excitedly, and I'm sure that's what Lewis has experienced too "
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