Hamilton labelled 'courageous' for Ferrari switch in 'only he could do it' verdict

Jenson Button has defended Lewis Hamilton for the "courage" he has showed with his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season.

Heading into his nineteenth campaign in F1, at the age of 40, the British driver opted for pastures new in Italy after 12 years with Mercedes, something his former McLaren team-mate claims is a desire all F1 drivers have at some stage.

It is likely the final move of Hamilton's storied career, as he fights to win a record-breaking eighth F1 drivers' championship - and a first constructors' title for the Scuderia since 2008.

In Button's view, it was a case of 'now or never' for his compatriot, who he believes probably thought he would end his time in F1 with the Brackley-based squad.

"I understand Hamilton's choice very well," the 2009 F1 drivers' champion told Gazzetta dello Sport. "To drive for Ferrari is something great, that all of us F1 drivers have had in our minds at some point - a desire to drive for Ferrari one day.

"The interesting thing is the moment he's made this choice. And I think at some point Lewis thought that he was never going to race for Ferrari and that he was going to end his career with Mercedes."

Circumstances surrounding Hamilton to Ferrari make it 'even better'

Button underlined how "fantastic" Hamilton's move to Maranello is for F1, a narrative he feels is strengthened by the circumstances surrounding it.

Nonetheless, the 45-year-old maintains the 105-time grand prix winner is the "only one who could" join Ferrari under those factors currently racing in F1.

"But that makes the story even better, it's a fantastic story for the sport," he added. "I think when you switch at 40 to a new team, where they speak a different language, where you become team-mates with someone like Charles Leclerc, who has been in place on the team for years, that shows a lot of courage.

"It's an important battle, but I think Lewis feels ready to take on that battle. He is the only one who could do it."