Ferrari back to the top with Hamilton? 'If anyone can do it, it's him'

Valtteri Bottas is sure: if anyone can succeed at Ferrari, it is Lewis Hamilton. Otherwise, Hamilton's former teammate was mostly very surprised by the upcoming transfer.

Lewis Hamilton surprised his friend and foe alike with his departure from Mercedes. The Briton will race for Ferrari in 2025, where he will become Charles Leclerc's teammate. It was a big surprise for Mercedes and also for former teammate Valtteri Bottas, with whom Hamilton has always maintained a good relationship.

"Surprised," Bottas said when asked for his initial reaction on hearing the news during the launch of the Stake F1 Team's new car. "I think it’s good for him. It’s a big opportunity, it’s a big move. Obviously he’s made the decision himself, so I’m happy for him."

Bottas knows Hamilton better than anyone else having driven together for five years at Mercedes. The Finn rates his former teammate's chances highly. "I’m sure it’s going to be quite an exciting project for him to try and get to the top together with Ferrari. If anyone can do it, he can do it."

It has been a while since Ferrari last became world champion. In 2008, Ferrari last became world champion in the constructors, and in 2007 it last became world champion in the drivers' standings with Kimi Raikkonen. Hamilton could change that, besides the fact that Hamilton will also be chasing his eighth world title himself.