Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season has sent shockwaves through the sport, and with it comes a singular, ambitious goal: to break Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles. After 12 years with Mercedes, where he clinched six championships, the British driver is embarking on a new chapter with the iconic Maranello team, aiming to secure an eighth crown and etch his name even deeper into the history books. Former F1 driver Christijan Albers has drawn striking parallels between Hamilton and Schumacher, suggesting that the 40-year-old possesses the same “intangibility” that defined the German legend during his Ferrari tenure. As the season looms, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Hamilton can achieve what Schumacher did—revive Ferrari’s Drivers’ Championship glory—and do so in less time than it took his predecessor.

Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes was a seismic shift, ending a partnership that dominated the sport for nearly a decade. His first nine years with the Brackley outfit were a golden era, yielding six titles and countless victories. However, the past three seasons painted a different picture—only two race wins and a solitary pole position amid struggles with an uncompetitive car. Doubts crept in about his hunger and pace, with Hamilton himself admitting during last year’s Qatar Grand Prix, “I’m definitely not fast anymore.” Now, at Ferrari, he appears revitalized, shrugging off those concerns with a clear focus. “Winning the championship for Ferrari—that’s what I’m working towards,” he declared during preseason testing. For him, it’s not just about the number eight; it’s about delivering Ferrari’s first Drivers’ title since Kimi Raikkonen’s triumph in 2007, nearly two decades ago.

Schumacher faced a similar challenge when he joined Ferrari in 1996. The team hadn’t won a Drivers’ Championship since 1979, and it took him five years of relentless effort to end that drought in 2000, sparking a run of five consecutive titles. Hamilton, however, will be hoping for a quicker turnaround. With Charles Leclerc as his teammate and a revitalized Ferrari squad showing promise in testing, there’s cautious optimism that the SF-25 could be a title contender as early as this year. Albers, speaking on the De Telegraaf podcast, sees echoes of Schumacher in Hamilton’s approach. “He is a copy of Michael Schumacher,” he said, pointing to their shared determination and knack for maintaining an aura of mystique. “Something that is intangible is always the most popular,” Albers added, likening Hamilton’s enigmatic presence to Verstappen’s aloof appeal.

That intangibility is something Hamilton has consciously cultivated. During Bahrain testing, he was spotted dodging photographers—covering his face or arriving early to avoid the spotlight. “I want to stay private,” he explained, as reported by Scuderia Fans. “I don’t always want cameras pointed at me. It’s about keeping something for myself.” This echoes Schumacher’s own tendency to shield his personal life, a trait that only heightened his allure. For Hamilton, it’s a way to manage the relentless scrutiny that comes with being a seven-time champion, especially now that he’s under the microscope at Ferrari, where expectations are sky-high.

Albers, however, warns that the road ahead won’t be easy. “It’s going to be a very tough and difficult season,” he said, reflecting on the pressure Hamilton will face. As a former driver himself, he understands the weight of expectation—fans and the team will demand victories, dominance over Leclerc, and a push to elevate Ferrari back to the top. Yet, he admires Hamilton’s courage. “Regardless of the results, he does have balls,” Albers remarked. “He dares to go to a team continuously to make another team better and become champion. He is not afraid to work somewhere else.” It’s a bold gamble, leaving the comfort of Mercedes for the unpredictable challenge of Ferrari, but one that underscores Hamilton’s belief in his ability to rewrite history.

As the 2025 season approaches, starting with the Melbourne opener on March 06, Hamilton’s pursuit of Schumacher’s record will be a central narrative. Ferrari hasn’t tasted Drivers’ Championship success in 18 years, and the parallels with Schumacher’s arrival in 1996 are inescapable. Back then, it took time and tenacity to turn the tide. Hamilton, at 40, may not have five years to spare, but his experience, paired with Ferrari’s renewed ambition, could accelerate the process. Whether he can break the record remains uncertain—Red Bull and McLaren loom as formidable threats—but his resolve is unshakable. For Hamilton, this isn’t just about number eight; it’s about adding his own chapter to Ferrari’s storied legacy, and he’s ready to fight for it.