Why Hamilton to Ferrari is the Biggest Driver Transfer Ever 

It's a no brainer for Hamilton. He could only really do it now.. If Mercedes happen to have a winning car this year, he still has a chance at a Title and then he has a go with Ferrari. If Mercedes is poor, then he can have a go at Ferrari. And if Ferrari is not great on 2025 he can have a say in the 2026 car and the new regs. If Ferrari doesn't work out, he will have driven for 3 of the best teams ever in Formula 1 and had a long and hugely successful career anyway.

“Both Lewis and Toto agree” that’s absolutely not the case. Hamilton wanted 3 years and an ambassador role which their counter offer was 1 year deal and no ambassador role. Hamilton wanted to retire as a Mercedes driver, but they didn’t valued him enough and that’s what has been reported .

I remember last season with all the talk with who had the tougher teammates between Max and Lewis, and now going into 2025, Charles will have been teammates with Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton

The best thing about Alda’s is he is not a hater. He gives credit where it is due without stanning or brown-nosing.

I agree! Lewis announcing it this early is actually a good thing for everyone! Gives everyone the chance to duke it out all season long for seats makes it exciting now cause no one is safe .... except stroll

The most popular/successful team in F1 paired with the most popular/successful driver in F1. As far as marketing, they’re unstoppable together.

When you think back, Lewis winning the drivers championship back in 08 overshadowed Ferraris constructors title.

Ferrari will have 2 drivers who are proven to be unphased by Max Verstappen and can match or beat him in wheel to wheel racing.

I think Lewis wanted a change of scenery. Even from the outside, it felt like Lewis and Merc had become a stale partnership. And the media covered MB like every GP that wasn’t a win was a disaster. Now, he can go somewhere fresh, a new adventure, no development black hole, etc. He can just enjoy himself whether or not the Ferrari can challenge for a title.

and of course congrats on the move to London on your first property!

And with that move, Luigi Pastramilton was born 😂😂😂

Leave it to lewis & seb to provide entertainment for f1 fans even when they aren't winning. Those 2 have literally carried the sport for 15 years

Lewis and Toto didn't agree on that. Lewis and Toto both wanted a long deal for him. The board of directors of Mercedes-Benz are the ones who refused a long contract and refused him an ambassadorial role. Lewis also did not drive the W15 in the simulator and it has been stated that the W15's performance (whether good or not) was not a factor in his decision. The Ferrari chairmen offered Lewis a ridiculously fruitful contract along with an ambassador role and a lot of money to fund his charities and initiatives. Ferrari just seemed to want him more than Mercedes did.

This is a domino effect starting with a building sized domino

They’ve been flirting with this move for almost 10 years, can’t believe it’s actually happened

Regarding the relationship between Charles and Lewis, I think Ferrari may be playing 5D Chess or something. In my opinion, apart from bringing a 7x WDC and one of the greatest to ever do it, they're bringing in a driver with loads and loads of experience, knowledge and, as you said, racing intelligence, and with Lewis being in the twilight of his career, he can (and I think will) pass this experience onto Charles and Ferrari as well. Lewis and Charles get along extremely well, we can see that all the time and I think that's why there won't be the "Hamilton-Rosberg" or even "Vettel-Webber" dynamic. And also, even though Lewis wants to win that 8th, I don't think it's the be-all or end-all for him anymore. In my view, Lewis already knows that he's achieved just about everything he could, so If he sees that he's just that tiny bit behind Charles (it can happen, don't you dare say it can't) and knowing Ferrari is essentially Charles' team for the next XY years, I think he would step up as great support for Charles in his charge for his WDC. (God, I hope that last part made sense as I intended it to xD) Anyway, I can't wait for next year to come. And this year as well, silly season is gonna be fun. PS: Congrats on your first property, good job!

I’d like to see what his Dad thinks. A Gordon Ramsey/Aldas collab would be epic!

best f1 team in history with best f1 driver in history

I think Toto confirmed that he was more than happy to give Lewis a 3 year deal like he wanted and the ambassadorship but that the rest of the board didnt agree. Toto understands why he left because it was a variation from the status quo of Toto makes the calls with Lewis as the focus. Obv there has been a shift to George but it isnt Totos fault IMO

After the shock has settled I'm now super hyped for this move! Still incredibly nervous about Ferrari strategy and tire life though and I'm PRAYING that Lewis and Charles relationship doesn't completely implode🤞

For the past 2 years Hamilton has been telling Mercedes ''you guys didn't listen to me'' about the concept of the car. I think something like this would have had an influence as well.

Absolutely no worries, Aldas, about how "late" this video is. I actually prefer the timing because there's been time for my "suggested videos" list to clear up and I do think the immediately rushed videos are for several creators (but obviously not all creators), just rushed and not really substantive or thought out I look forward to further deeper dive videos on this topic from you!

Dear Alda’s comparing the best driver line up of leclerc and Hamilton with Prost and senna is mind blowing

Yes I was waiting for this and dude you got an amazing voice. This channel is like ASMr, adds so much to it

the only thing that would’ve been even more wild is Hamilton to Red Bull lol. Also you don’t just “replace” Lewis Hamilton

Congrats on your new place! Sounds exciting!

If I’m Toto I’m getting Alonso if I can, and if not I’m watching Antonelli and giving him the seat if he’s winning in F2. They need something bold to keep buzz about the team. Sainz Albon and Ocon would be good, but they lack that buzz

I’ve been watching all the videos about this twice and thrice! This has really woken everyone up and it still has a year to take effect

I think the biggest team switch shock was for 1996 season. Michael just won title with Benetton and then he decided to go to mess of a team at the time Ferrari.

Your excitement has me excited too. As a hamilton fan im very happy for him but as a merc fan im confused but undoubtedly excited as an f1 fan. Great video❤

I am so excited to see Charles learn from Lewis and converting those lessons into his own bid for word title.

Been waiting for your reaction 🍿

Hi Aldas ...just stumbled upon your video....excellent reporting🎉🎉🎉🎉

2 videos in one day? and both over 20 minutes, this is a blessing

Great content. One of your best videos. I like it when you are a little less scripted, you speak to us like your just having a conversation with us. Instead of your usual slower up and down cadence that you have. I too was stunned that Lewis left Mercedes, sometimes when a company thinks they have the upper hand with their employees, things like this happen, and employees react with their feet. I'm waiting to see how this works out with Charles, and with Carlos, pretty sure he's gutted after being the only other driver to give his team a victory, outside of RB last year. Seriously doubt Toto would bring back Valteri, I'm thinking Albon, I doubt Toto will ask Alonso will grab his walker and head over to Mercedes, for what, maybe a year.

I'll add this, is that the 2024 season will need to be a historical season in on itself to be even remembered as relevant. It's preceding the most anticipated driver pairing in decades

Congrats on your new appartment Aldas! I don't think I've seem so much pre-season drama in 30 years of watching F1. The Lewis news is insane!! Lewis and Charles are going to comprise the new sounds for Ferrati's EV's like Han Zimmer did for BMW 😅

Ham: "is it hammer time?" Ferrari: "we a checking"

Lewis moving to ferrari is just a normal driver move, top driver switching top teams, akin to schumachers move to ferrari. But mercedes was 5th in 2012 when hamiliton signed for them and mclaren had contestested the 2010 title and for wins in 2011 and 12. Merc hadn't been comoetive since 09 when brawn found the double diffuser and outwash concept

Thanks for sharing.

Awesome video and congrats on the new apartment!

I think it’s a childhood dream of his to race for Ferrari, gets paid a ton of cash, Ferrari very well might be faster than merc moving forward, & he gets to reinvigorate his twilight years with a new challenge. I think it just makes sense & the timing was finally there to make it happen. He could win #8 but at the very least I do think he’ll win between 5-10 races with Ferrari

@Aldas - Charles did have a poor relationship with Seb in 2019 due to incidents like Bahrain, Monaco, Singapore, Russia and Brazil

Finally!!! We have Aldas' reaction. I've been waiting for this video for ages.

I REMEMBER saying this on your channel about Ferrari 😂 I said “in my opinion and life time Ferrari will NEVER win a championship unless you have the likes of Lewis/Alonso as still active and competing at a HIGH level take that challenge on” 😂 if 2021 didn’t SOLIDIFY Sir Lewis Hamilton as a living legend in F1, watch what he does with Ferrari 🔥

This is the blockbuster driver move that F1 needed...great news for Sir Lewis and F1 fans...hope it lives up to the hype.

Solid commentary!!!

Love you Aldas. And thanks for the new drinking game: every time Aldas says "you know", we drink. ;-)

If you pause this video at 13:11 and walk around the room it feels like Aldas is staring at you no matter where you go. I had it paused to go to the bathroom, I then walked back into my living room and the computer screen was angled about 60/65 degrees away from me but it looked and felt like he was looking right at me, I moved to about 70/70 degrees and towards 40/45 degrees to test it out, That's how I discovered this lol

Been waiting for your take on this aldas. Kudos bro ❤

Saying that Leclerc has never had issues with his teammates glosses over the persistent drama between him and Vettel in 2019 that culminated in their Brazil collision!

It’s been a long time coming congratulations on your new apartment 🎉

He's coming up to retirement in the next few years. He's wanted to drive for Ferrari since he was a kid. This was probably his last opportunity to go there. There doesn't have to be any sinister or otherwise negative reason, those are enough.

Congratulations on your new home!!

Once again, I am thanking Louis Hamilton for his move to Ferrari, which has catalyzed fantastic commentaries like this. I am enjoying the hell out of all of it...🤩🤩

I really hope he gets a lot of wins and maybe even a championship in Ferrari

Congrats on the appartment!

this puts even wayyyyyyy more pressure on checo. the wcc title will be tighter this year if he has lapses

I’m probably the only one that thinks this news is bigger than when Vettel announced he’d move to Ferrari in 2015

Hamilton has no shy for challenges. He took it from his day 1 in F1 being paired an all-time great. I believe what Horner said about Anthony Hamilton talked with him about Lewis to drive for RBR was genuine. Ham wants a fast track to get #8. In this case, RBR is the way. That means he wanted to challenge Max not Leclerc. H/e, RBR refused to give him a seat. This Ferrari move is an alternation of it.

Supported Ferrari since the Schumacher era and I have never been more excited about a driver joining our team ever

Hey Aldas congrats on the apartment. 🎉

It'd be really nice to see Albon take Lewis's seat at Mercedes. Russell and Albon could be a really entertaining driver pair-up and if Mercedes make a good car that can compete with RedBull for the title and if RedBull get a better second driver like Norris or Tsunoda or even Ricardo if he turns his career around it could create a really interesting season or even an interesting era of racing. I could see Albon, Lando, Russell and Yuki all challenging Vestappen for the title in the seasons to come if they get a chance at better cars.

Aldas I did asked you too on IG 😂😂

All I am hoping for one win... only one, anything extra is a bonus

What happened to W15 then he is building a car he is in factory every day he is in wind tunnel he brings every one together W15 is gonna be 10 sec faster a lap what happens to all those clams then. If he wins his 10 championship in MB is he gonna stay?

To me if Lewis can fight for championship, even a sniff then that's a win already

Being past his prime to a non-contending team it is all headlines and PR as I would be surprised if it has any effect on the Championship.

Bro moved to London just to be closer to me it's crazy

Congrats on the new apartment👏🏻👏🏻

It’ll be good to see him go again Charles in the same car. If he has another winless season people will now it was the car and not the driver.

How do you say “It’s Hammer Time!” in Italian?

other moves to Ferrari were as big -some would say even bigger news- back then: Schumacher coming after 2 WDC and at his prime, and even more: Prost moving to Ferrari at the peak of his rivalry with Senna. Of course there were no social media back then. But one thing nevers changes: Ferrari !

I still can’t believe it

The only bigger move of hamilton to Ferrari would of been Hamilton to Red Bull. Box Office. And the only other big move i hope happens is Fernando to Mercedes

Understand what your saying but i think if a Driver was to leave a championship winning car and team for another less successful team in that year's championship ( like Michael in 96 ) then yes its a big deal.

This id definitely a big move. Even though i enjoyed his time at MERC, Ferrari will benefit from his input and experience. I mean Ferrari's stock moved up after the announcement too.

Now with horner accused of abuse even newey would wanna join ferrari and finally make 2 of his wishes come true, to work with ferrari and Lewis

Two possibilities 1. Lewis is satisfied with W15 and he thinks he can win in it 2. He's not satisfied with W15 and wants to try his luck at Ferrari

Someone’s going to get totally annihilated after this move. Either ham or lec, going head on against each other

Saying Hamilton and Leclerc could be the strongest teammate paring is a bit of a strech. As you said, we dont know how well Leclerc will do in its future, but i shall remember you that Hamilton and Alonso were teammates

2 years is more than enough to sense the direction

Lewis could be a fabulous marketing opportunity for Ferrari to use his talents after his retirement from F1 for The Lewis Hamilton naming rights on future high end “ Prancing Horse “

I wonder if things are worse than we thought behind the scenes at Mercedes.

This has been brewing for a long time. I believe Mercedes thought he had no other option and weren't willing to commit to him anymore. This happens to all great drivers, even Schumacher got pushed out despite all he did for them. Mercedes will fall off similar to Mclaren when Lewis left.

Loyalty......😂😂😂😂😂😂 the way these companies treat employees....it's nothing personal it's just business

It would be funny if Merc emerges as the closest challenger to RB nxt yr.

If Hamilton hadn't taken this chance now, he would have found the doors closed later on with him at the end of his contract and Mercedes dictating all his options. Also were it not for Lewis, Ferrari would have been 2nd in the championship. In football, you would buy that key player rather than have him playing against you. The fact of the matter is Ferrari will have seen the contributions made by Hamilton to bring on the car, and they know they'll need that kind of experience and driver feedback, developing the 2026 car. Hamilton will be doing what he did when he joined Mercedes a year before the hybrid rules change.

I pressed the "like" button when a certain - Fernando Alonso, was mentioned.

I think he want to win few lore races to get that record even harder

I was waiting for this video 😍😍😍😍

Romain Grosjean joked on his channel that he tweeted Toto his resume.

I think Ferrari are committed to Charles but I wouldn’t say it’s team. Ferrari is Ferrari and no one driver bigger than that. It was different with Michael because he brought his old team with him so it really was his team. It is back to being Ferrari having drivers and Charles has not really taken the command of the team, he’s still much too reliant on them.

As a Verstappen fan, Lewis has some balls to make this move. You’ve got to respect that either way.

I don't think you understand what loyalty means. It's easy to stay at a team when you get the fastest car on the grid year after year. Loyalty is sticking with that team when they don't have the fastest car on the grid. If any other driver had made the same move it wouldn't be an issue, it's the fact he preaches about being loyal but drops them when he doesn't get the fastest car.

You don’t bring SLH in without it being his team or at the very least allowing both drivers to fight. So this may be Lecler’s team but that’ll kick in after Ham departs Ferrari, this is very much the Hamilton show. Don’t be silly if we’re talking numbers if we’re talking Jewlrey Ham has more chips than the field combined. His show his team his call. Freddy has deep ties with Sir Ham you remember that pal

This is great news for red bull, since having hamilton is now considered a curse and not a blessing, Mercedes has been ran into the ground. Now ferrari. However this does mean that the competitive scene will be skewered making redpoll the sole tip tier team, followed by Mercedes and then ferrari. MAX MAX MAX!!!

Last 2 years, I was like yeah come on Hamilton take a challenge, move to Ferrari for Alsonso can have your seat for his last years in the sport.

i feel like the comment about his loyalty to Mercedes is kinda flawed because yes he did make a risky move to join Mercedes while the team wasnt looking very promising, but after he did join them they just kept winning of course he wouldn't of left

I think (unpopular opinion most likely) that Mick Schumacher will get the 2025 seat. He's already the Mercedes test driver, he did decently in F1 when he was in it (sue me), he's going to drive in the WEC which will certainly improve his consistency, and Wolff waxes lyrical about the guy