Marko: Hamilton's Ferrari switch 'better than Netflix!'

It's been two weeks since Lewis Hamilton's titanic Ferrari switch for 2025 was announced, with it having since been labelled as the biggest driver transfer in the history of F1.

2024 therefore marks Hamilton's 12th and final campaign with Mercedes, a period in which the 103-time race winner has collected six world titles.

However, the past two years have been extremely disappointing for Hamilton and Mercedes, as the German manufacturer have claimed only one victory since the current aerodynamic regulations were introduced in 2022, and it was not even for the 39-year-old.

His teammate George Russell took victory in his first Mercedes year at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Hamilton is getting no younger and the end of his F1 career is looming larger, making 2025 in many ways his final chance to complete a historic move to Ferrari. The transfer has stunned several drivers in the paddock, but how does Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Dr Helmut Marko actually view the seven-time World Champion's switch to the Scuderia?

"That took me completely by surprise, especially the timing," Marko told the Austrian publication oe24. Although it is a sporting sensation.

"You wonder how it could have happened. Mercedes was overtaken by Ferrari in the second half of the 2023 season and McLaren was also faster. Perhaps Hamilton has realized something that the outside world does not yet know."

Hamilton departure weakens Mercedes

According to the advisor, Hamilton's move to Ferrari changes nothing for Red Bull, who remain superior ahead of the upcoming season.

"It doesn't change anything for us, but I do see it as a weakening for Mercedes," said Marko. "And whether it makes Ferrari stronger remains to be seen. Overall, it has an incredible effect, right down to the share prices. It's great that something is happening."

Of course, Hamilton does have the 2024 season to complete with Mercedes before leaving the Silver Arrows, a year in which the Brackley-based side will be busy preparing their 2025 car.

"Normally in such a situation you already think more about the new team," Marko stated. "The current team [Mercedes] can no longer involve him in major innovations to the car, because of course he would take it with him [to Ferrari]. For the sport it's great, better than Netflix," the Austrian concluded.