Hamilton takes a low blow: 'Ferrari can only win World Title with Max'

In 2023, Mercedes missed the mark again despite finishing second in the World Championship. Hamilton was deflated going into the winter break. After the new year, a rumour emerged that Ferrari were ready to sign the seven-time World Champion, and within a matter of hours the news was confirmed. Since then, it became apparent that Max Verstappen was frustrated with the unrest within the Red Bull camp.

"I think Ferrari's decision to take him was a masterstroke, but of course, they would have preferred Max. Ferrari can only become World Champions with Max; they won’t succeed with Hamilton. He is the second choice, but better second than third," Coronel explained to the Formule 1 magazine.

Is Hamilton regretting his move to Ferrari?

Ferrari started the season ahead of Mercedes. In fact, they won two of the first eight races of the season. But since the weekend in Canada, the picture has changed drastically. Mercedes applied an update and moved ahead. The German team have now won three of the last four races, and Lewis Hamilton has claimed two of those wins. He is the only driver on the grid, other than Verstappen, to win multiple races in 2024. 

To make matters worse, Ferrari applied an upgrade and suffered from bouncing. This was the issue which plagued Hamilton at Mercedes when the rules and regulations were first introduced. 

“You know from Hamilton that he is preparing for his farewell because after Ferrari, there is nothing more. Ferrari red is every driver’s dream, but count on him waking up a few times next year bathed in sweat. Because then he will just be driving behind the Mercedes in his red Ferrari," Coronel concluded his brutal assessment of Hamilton's move.