What do Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have in common apart from being F1 world champions? They are the two oldest drivers on the current grid and yet are outperforming most youngsters. The Aston Martin racer, aged 42, has signed a multi-year contract that’ll see him driving even in 2026, under F1’s next regulatory changes. His Mercedes counterpart, aged 39, has also signed with Ferrari starting in 2025 that’ll see him racing in his 40s. However, the 7-time champion’s contract details weren’t revealed to the public. But in his latest admission, Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur has subtly done so.

Under Vasseur’s leadership from 2023 onwards, Ferrari has made a colossal comeback. Though their recent slump indicates otherwise, Lewis Hamilton expects a promising partnership that could propel him to the record-breaking 8th title when he finally steps out of Mercedes. And he’ll have not one but three chances to do so, as per Vasseur’s revelation.

“Lewis was an important symbol because it sends a positive message to the paddock for the future of the team,” the 56-year-old told Financial Times. “He had to make a choice. ‘Where do I have the biggest chance to win the world championship in 2025, ’26, ’27?’ And he said, ‘Ferrari’.” The Ferrari boss’ statement hints at a 3-year contract being finalized with Hamilton, which means the Briton will be racing in F1 at 42, as Alonso is doing.

The commercial value that Hamilton brings will also be a great supplement to the performance boost they expect. However, during these 3 years, not only the team but the Briton himself will be forced to adapt to entirely new challenges.

Lewis Hamilton wary of “daunting” challenges awaiting him at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton is in his 18th year of driving in F1 and has only driven for British teams. Both McLaren and Mercedes are based in the United Kingdom, his birthplace. Shifting to Ferrari in 2025 will come with a barrage of cultural differences in addition to adapting to their car. The Briton might also have to shift to in or around Maranello to ensure his timely participation in Ferrari’s developments.

Talking to Martin Brundle a day after the British GP, Hamilton said, “It’s (move to Ferrari) also daunting because it’s new territory. It’s a new experience. It’ll be a challenge, but you know, I love a challenge.” The Briton also explained how Italians are more “emotional” compared to Britons, who are “chilled out.”

There’s a reason why Ferrari is considered the ultimate team to drive for in F1. It’s not only because of them being the sport’s most successful team but also because of its passionate fanbase. Like Sebastian Vettel said, “Everybody’s a Ferrari fan. Even if they are not, they are Ferrari fans.” Hamilton has proved this with his Mercedes exit.

Now, what’s left is for him to prove his mettle to the big F1 world encapsulated in a small Southern European country. Adversities will come, but Hamilton’s vast experience will ensure that he remains “chilled out”. After all, a consistent sense of calm is also what Ferrari requires after so many agonizingly volatile years.