Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has issued a warning to Ferrari as Lewis Hamilton prepares to team up with Charles Leclerc next season.
In a sensational move, Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the current season to join Ferrari alongside Leclerc. The seven-time world champion’s arrival at the Maranello squad promises to bring a new level of competition for Leclerc, thanks to Hamilton’s vast experience, undeniable talent, and immense popularity.
Hamilton’s ultimate goal is to clinch his eighth drivers’ championship with Ferrari, but Domenicali, Ferrari’s former team principal, has highlighted the importance of the team managing this new dynamic carefully to prevent any internal conflicts.
“As a Ferrari fan, it’s an incredible opportunity because Lewis is a unifying force,” Domenicali told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “He’s determined to win that eighth title and cement his place as the greatest of all time. There will need to be mutual respect between him and Charles, but once the helmets are on… team rules and leadership must be clear.”
Taking over Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes is 18-year-old Italian prodigy Kimi Antonelli, whose debut has generated significant excitement. He joins a fresh wave of young talent in F1, including rookies Oliver Bearman and Jack Doohan, making their mark next season.
Domenicali is thrilled by the influx of new drivers and the diverse personalities they bring to the sport. “There are so many young drivers, each with their own character,” said the 59-year-old. “It’s an exciting time for F1, and the energy they bring is essential. What we must do is break out of our insular thinking. I want to see fresh faces and professionalism on the grid.”