Hamilton WARNED of Ferrari gamble ahead of 2025

A Formula 1 world title winner has warned Lewis Hamilton that his upcoming move to Ferrari represents a significant gamble.

The seven-time drivers' champion will join the Italian giants next season, ending what has been a historic era at Mercedes.

F1 HEADLINES: Verstappen delivers championship DIG as FIA penalty verdict announced

WATCH: Russell wants to challenge Verstappen for the title

READ MORE: Hamilton issues EMOTIONAL farewell message in 'final race' plea

Hamilton's decision came following several years of frustration at the Silver Arrows as both he and the team fell a long way behind their main rivals.

Hamilton given Ferrari verdict

The 39-year-old had hoped to go out on a high at his current employers, and headed into the second half of his final campaign with grounds for optimism, having clinched surprise victories at Silverstone and Spa prior to the summer break.

But a significant drop-off in performance over recent months has seen Hamilton once again air his frustrations, most recently in Brazil, where he finished a disappointing 10th.

Last weekend's Las Vegas GP did see Hamilton return to the podium in a stunning Mercedes one-two, but he once again lost out to his team-mate following a mistake in qualifying.

With just two grands prix remaining at Mercedes, the 105-time racer winner is now beginning to turn his attention towards the future as he looks to add an eighth world title to his collection.

1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve believes, should he achieve that, he would stand alone as the greatest driver the sport has ever seen.

Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Villeneuve said: "That is the next step for him to become the biggest driver ever.

"Winning again with Mercedes would not really serve any purpose. But winning with Ferrari? There’s nothing bigger in the world after everything he has achieved.

F1 RESULTS: Mercedes take STUNNING 1-2 as Verstappen crowned champion at Las Vegas Grand Prix

"When he signed there was nothing to see. All he could see was where Mercedes had gone. So, it was time to move. And sometimes you go on a hunch, and you jump and you hope that the other ship is better.

"Then you look like a hero like he did when he went to Mercedes and people were asking, ‘What is he doing? Is he crazy?'. It turned out to be good.

"When he did sign for Ferrari nothing was in place like it is now, it wasn't the Ferrari we see today," Villeneuve continued.

"That's what you have to understand. It is a Ferrari. It's the biggest name in the car or motorsport industry and Lewis has been the biggest name.

"If he can win with Ferrari, he will be forever unbeatable. That's it. And he will cement his name. It's very simple.

"If he doesn't win with Ferrari, he still has got all the records. That would just be the ultimate step, so it's worth taking the gamble."

F1 WORLD CHAMPIONS: The full list from Farina to four-time King Verstappen

Related

GPFans Recap

Hamilton issues statement as F1 team confirm driver’s absence at Qatar Grand Prix - GPFans Recap

• Yesterday 23:57

Latest F1 News

Hamilton sky high in DREAM test run ahead of Ferrari switch

• Yesterday 19:57