Jordan: F1 needs Hamilton in a Ferrari, and Ferrari needs Hamilton

Friday, 24 March 2023 at 10:56

Eddie Jordan has had a lot to say in recent days about the state of Formula 1, particularly Mercedes, and - typical of the verbose former team owner, of what is now the resurgent Aston Martin team - he threw a cat among the pigeons with his claims that Ferrari need Lewis Hamilton in Red.

This, of course, comes in the wake of a season of pain for the seven-time F1 world champion who for the first time in a calendar year, 2022, did not add to his incredible record-setting tally of 103 Grand Prix victories. And, now, two races into this F1 season, it's looking like another year of pain for Hamilton.

In an interview with OLBG, in which Jordan slammed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff for the decline of the once serial-winning team, he declared: "Formula 1 needs Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari and Ferrari needs Lewis Hamilton.

"Hamilton should look to go to another Championship-winning team, but the drama is who is going to move aside? Red Bull would not let Sergio Perez for Hamilton because they try to encourage drivers who have been through their teams to try and reach the top like Max Verstappen did.

"Hamilton is a McLaren man, but I can't see him going back there because of the position they're in. The only other place I see Hamilton going is Ferrari or staying at Mercedes. At the moment, there's no contract signed and Toto Wolff said if he was Hamilton he would consider leaving.

"What would I be thinking if I was Hamilton, am I really loved here? What is actually happening at Mercedes? I'm not in the thick of things like I used to be. I don't know Wolff's point of view on the situation but I believe when he says he wants Hamilton to stay. But the Mercedes is not good enough for Hamilton," declared Jordan.

Hamilton and Mercedes have legendary F1 history coupled with a legacy of excellence and loyalty

However, Mercedes was good enough to grant Sir Lewis 82 Grand Prix victories, six F1 titles to add to the one he won with a Merc-powered McLaren, in fact, the only Merc is the only F1 engine brand Hamilton has ever raced.

Notably, Hamilton to Ferrari has been a mainstay of the Scuderia's up-and-down performances, throughout his career he has been linked to the Italian team on countless occasions, but more a flirtation with no real substance.

However, as outlandish as it might sound, Hamilton kitting up in the scarlet of Ferrari might be the sport's greatest final hurrah for a driver considered a GOAT of F1. Maybe Eddie has a point...

As it stands, Hamilton and Mercedes have dragged the contract extension on beyond what was expected. The formality they all claimed it was, is apparently not as some tough negotiations are expected in light of the emergence of 25-year-old fellow Englishman George Russell. who largely has had the better of his illustrious teammate since they were paired in the team in 2022.

With that in mind, is 38-year-old Hamilton still worth what he was a couple of years ago? Money will be an issue as will the length of a new deal, one imagines. Triggering the poll below for your much-valued opinion: