Why Jenson Button Feels Only Hamilton Would Have Made the Ferrari Switch.
The Formula 1 world was left stunned when Lewis Hamilton announced he would be leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari for the 2025 season. While many saw it as a bold and unexpected move, former F1 world champion Jenson Button believes that Hamilton is one of the few drivers who would have had the confidence and drive to make such a switch.
Button, who was Hamilton’s teammate at McLaren between 2010 and 2012, knows the seven-time world champion well. Speaking on the surprising transfer, Button expressed that very few drivers in the current grid, or even in F1 history, would have taken such a risk.
The Hamilton Mindset
Hamilton has spent over a decade at Mercedes, building an era of dominance that saw him win six of his seven world titles with the team. However, Button believes that Hamilton’s willingness to challenge himself, embrace new opportunities, and take on the unknown is what makes him different.
“It’s a massive move,” Button said in a recent interview. “But if anyone was going to do it, it was Lewis. He thrives in big moments and making bold decisions.”
Hamilton has often spoken about his admiration for Ferrari, and while rumors of a switch have existed for years, few believed it would actually happen. The British driver had a strong relationship with Mercedes, and the team has provided him with record-breaking success. Leaving behind such a legacy, as Button noted, is not something many would be willing to do.
“Most drivers wouldn’t take that leap,” Button explained. “You’re leaving a team you’ve built so much with, and that’s a scary thing. But Lewis is wired differently. He loves a challenge.”
The Ferrari Appeal and Risk
Ferrari remains the most iconic team in Formula 1 history, with a legacy that every driver dreams of being part of. However, the Scuderia has struggled to consistently fight for championships in the modern era. While they have shown promise, their last drivers’ championship came in 2007 with Kimi Räikkönen.
Button pointed out that Hamilton’s decision is not just about joining Ferrari but also about potentially cementing his legacy further by bringing a championship back to Maranello.
“If he wins with Ferrari, it would be one of the greatest stories in F1 history,” Button said. “People already see him as one of the greatest, but taking Ferrari back to the top? That’s next level.”
At the same time, Button acknowledged the risks involved. Ferrari’s management has been known for instability, and their performance hasn’t always been consistent. While they have improved in recent seasons, there are no guarantees that Hamilton will find immediate success.
“There’s always that question mark,” Button noted. “Will the car be good enough? Will the team give him what he needs? But Lewis isn’t afraid of that. He backs himself to make it work.”
Why Others Wouldn’t Have Done It
Button believes that many top drivers wouldn’t have made the same move, despite Ferrari’s prestige.
Max Verstappen, for example, is deeply tied to Red Bull and currently has a car that is arguably the best on the grid. Leaving a dominant team for an uncertain challenge wouldn’t make sense for the Dutchman.
Similarly, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris have long-term commitments to their respective teams, while younger talents like George Russell are still building their legacies.
“Most drivers, even the great ones, prefer stability,” Button explained. “They want to be in a car that guarantees them a chance to win. Lewis? He’s already proven everything. He wants to do something that no one expects.”
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari is one of the biggest transfers in F1 history, and as Jenson Button points out, it’s a move that only a driver like Hamilton would have made. With his hunger for success, willingness to take risks, and desire to further cement his legacy, Hamilton has embraced a challenge that few would dare to take.
While there are no guarantees in F1, one thing is certain—Hamilton’s Ferrari era will be one of the most exciting storylines in the sport’s history. And if anyone can turn the dream of a Ferrari championship into reality,its Lewis Hamilton.