Comments made by Irish F1 legend Eddie Jordan in April last year have turned into reality following Thursday's groundbreaking news about Lewis Hamilton's future.
According to recent reports, the seven-time F1 champion, Lewis Hamilton, has made the surprising decision to switch to Ferrari. The deal is set to commence in 2025, as indicated by Italian media. Despite signing a contract extension with Mercedes last year, persistent rumours have resurfaced about the 39-year-old potentially departing at the end of the upcoming season.
Ferrari may have a vacancy for 2025, with Carlos Sainz's contract ending this year, while Charles Leclerc recently secured a long-term deal with the renowned car manufacturer.
Both Mercedes and Ferrari have not provided comments on the circulating rumours. However, after intense speculation that the Englishman was on the verge of making one of the most significant switches in F1 history, the news was later confirmed on that eventful evening by the likes of Sky Sports news.
Eddie Jordan, a seasoned figure in the Formula 1 world, was asked about Hamilton racing for the Italian manufacturer back in April. At that time, he expressed his view that it would be unlikely but also conveyed his enthusiasm for such a move.
Mercedes employees in Brackley have been told that Lewis Hamilton will be leaving at the end of the 2024 season 🏎️
The seven-time world champion will join Ferrari for the 2025 season 👇 pic.twitter.com/oGJ8kK7Vt7— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 1, 2024
"In my opinion, there's only one place he could go, and that is Ferrari. He is a guy with the talent that he has, and I think it might be a match made in heaven. I believe Ferrari needs shaking up, and Lewis Hamilton needs shaking up if they are going to continue," he shared with Express Sport at Luxury London Afloat last April.
“If Lewis is going to continue, then I think he needs a change. For his mindset, for his drive, for an initiative, for fun. Learning Italian and dealing with and eating pasta with those guys—it's a different world. Having run a team, we always saw how differently Ferrari operates, and I would love to see Lewis in that environment.
“I think he could truly shake them up, bring a new sense of direction, and eradicate many of the little problems Ferrari has had. Therefore, I would like to see Lewis there for a year or two before he fully retires. It's an amazing story. It's unlikely to happen, but it's my dream.”
It appears that Eddie Jordan's dreams have indeed come true.
Hamilton's move comes after he expressed his hope that Mercedes could reclaim the F1 title from Red Bull. However, in the same breath, he emphasised that he "wouldn't hold his breath."
During an interview with BBC Sport and other selected outlets at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, he stated: "I do believe we have a North Star now, which I don't think we've had for two years. But still, getting there is not a straight line.
"I think we understand the car so much better. They have developed great tools in the background. So naturally, I'm hopeful, but I'm not going to hold my breath."
