Opinion: can Lewis Hamilton win his eighth world title at Ferrari?

Will Lewis Hamilton win that elusive eighth world title in red? We’re all thinking it, and why not? Remember when he left the proven outfit of McLaren for the unknown entity of Mercedes? A decade and six drivers’ titles later, it’s considered one of the smartest moves in F1 history.

Now Lewis has swapped the familiar comfort of the Silver Arrows for the most famous team in motorsport, and if his performance at the first race in Australia is as audacious as the first images to come out of Maranello – Lewis suited like some mafia don outside Enzo’s place – then his fans are in for a treat.

This isn’t just any transfer. It is the ultimate plot twist. This is the man who helped redefine what dominance in F1 looks like realising the romantic notion that every driver dreams of: racing for the Scuderia. This is more than sport, this is a cultural shift... history in the making.

Hamilton’s journey has always been one of defying expectations. From karting prodigy living in a one-room flat in Stevenage, to the McLaren wonderkid, to Mercedes’ risk-taking recruit, to the greatest driver of a generation. Hamilton has smashed stereotypes for fun, and broken records like they were flimsy front wings. He is more than just fast, he is relentless, stylish and captivating. He is also (to the shame of our sport) still the only ever black driver.

Ferrari isn’t just another team, it’s where legends are made, but also where pressure is unparalleled. A place where even the most talented can be consumed by the weight of expectation. I remember speaking to a Ferrari mechanic on an Italian race weekend and he said it was the worst weekend of his life because of the level of scrutiny. I didn’t see him at another race after that.

Some drivers have tried without success. Fernando Alonso gave it his all. Sebastian Vettel, every ounce of his being, but the fact remains that Ferrari hasn’t had a drivers’ champion since 2007.

The questions are mounting: Ferrari is steeped in tradition, many would say old school. Now it has the most progressive and disruptive cultural force in its ranks, how will the two combine? Ferrari is fast, but is it fast enough? It is set to be a four way fight in 2025, unusually open, but before Lewis can claim the top spot in red, he will first have to see off what is set to be a mighty internal challenge from his teammate Charles Leclerc.

I remember seeing Lewis playing the piano years ago, away from the track at a private event, and he was just so relaxed and so himself. His love of fashion, musicality, and ability to speak his mind doesn’t always fit the F1 driver mould, but if Ferrari gives Lewis the space to be Lewis off the track, to find his inner calm, it’ll get the best version of him in the car.

It certainly feels like we are on the brink of something special. If he wins it will be an ageing legend conquering the final frontier. If he doesn’t, well, it will still be a hell of a ride. One thing is for sure, load up your popcorn, the entertainment is about to get underway.