Hamilton: The True 'Il Predestinato'?
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season is not only one of the biggest stories of the year but also a historic shift that could mark a turning point in the Scuderia’s modern history. The seven-time world champion, the legend of Mercedes, swaps silver for red with the promise of bringing Ferrari back to the top. But while the tifosi dream of glory, it’s impossible not to wonder: is this the right decision? Could Hamilton be the “Il Predestinato” the tifosi have been waiting for all this time?
This expression, “Il Predestinato,” was once used to refer to Charles Leclerc, the rising star Ferrari believed would lead them to a new golden era. But with Hamilton’s arrival, that title takes on a whole new meaning. After all, if anyone has the experience, and the sheer talent to fulfill Ferrari’s dreams, it’s Hamilton.
Hamilton’s legacy in F1 is already legendary. With seven world titles and a level of consistency rarely seen, the British driver has secured his place among the sport’s greatest. But Ferrari presents a completely different challenge: not just the pressure of becoming the new face of the Scuderia, but the weight of living under the shadow of an enormous legacy. Ferrari has always been a team driven by passion and their thirst for success has only grown in the years since their last constructors' title in 2008.
The Scuderia’s history is filled with big names who arrived with promises of glory and left empty-handed. Sebastian Vettel, a four-time world champion, couldn’t break the curse. Before him, Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso came painfully close but fell short. Could Hamilton, despite his incredible career, be next on that list?
As the pre-season testing in Bahrain unfolded, Ferrari became the center of attention. The early impressions were promising, with Hamilton quickly adapting to the SF-25, providing feedback that improved the car’s setup. Leclerc, too, showcased his skill, finishing at the top of the timesheets on the final morning of testing. The results suggested that Ferrari’s car could indeed be competitive, but that’s only part of the story. Pre-season testing rarely tells the full tale; it’s the racing season that will provide the true test.
But the lap times alone aren’t what’s most intriguing about Ferrari’s pre-season performance. What really caught the attention was the absence of direct on-track comparison between Hamilton and Leclerc. As both drivers tested separately, it raised the question: how will their relationship evolve when the pressure of the season kicks in? The potential for an internal rivalry, or even tension, is evident. The battle for supremacy between him and Leclerc could soon be unavoidable.
This sense of rivalry could define Ferrari’s season, but it’s also an opportunity. For Hamilton, this isn’t just about claiming another championship. It’s about becoming the backbone of a team desperate to return to glory. His leadership could be exactly what Ferrari needs to elevate its performance and overcome its longstanding struggles.
As the season progresses, we’ll see if Hamilton’s arrival truly marks the beginning of a new golden era for Ferrari or if it becomes just another chapter of unfulfilled promises. The potential is there, but so is the risk. Can Ferrari finally live up to its legendary past? Will the team come together, or will internal dynamics fracture the dream? Only time will tell, and Melbourne will be the first real test.
