Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster switch to Ferrari has sent shockwaves through Formula 1, and as the seven-time World Champion prepares for his debut in red at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the move is being hailed as a storybook twist worthy of a fairytale. Sky F1 pundit Bernie Collins, a former strategist at Aston Martin, has boldly predicted that this seismic career shift could unleash a rejuvenated version of Hamilton—dubbed “Lewis 2.0”—on the 2025 grid. At 40 years old, Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes after a dozen years and six world titles stunned the sport, but what began as disbelief has morphed into feverish excitement about what the Briton might achieve with the Scuderia. Paired with the talented Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari feels like the beginning of a new chapter that could redefine his legacy and the team’s fortunes.

When the news first broke in February 2024, Collins admits she was floored. “This time last year, I was shocked,” she told PlanetF1.com, reflecting on the moment she learned Hamilton was trading silver for red. After all, Mercedes had been his home since 2013, a partnership that delivered unprecedented success and cemented his status as arguably the greatest driver in F1 history. Yet, a year later, that initial surprise has given way to a growing sense of anticipation. Collins, who has watched Hamilton’s transition unfold, sees a spark in him that suggests this move is more than just a change of scenery—it’s a reinvention. “The more I’ve seen Lewis in red, the more I’ve seen his excitement at being in that car, he’s like a revitalised Lewis,” she said. It’s a transformation she believes could signal the arrival of a sharper, hungrier Hamilton, ready to take on fresh challenges with the ferocity that defined his championship years.

Collins’ optimism isn’t just speculation—it’s rooted in insights from those who’ve worked closely with Hamilton. Her partner, Ryan McGarva, a former Mercedes colleague of the driver, noted that Hamilton has always thrived when pushed to his limits. “Lewis always did well in a year where he was challenged and up for it,” she relayed. And challenges abound at Ferrari. Adapting to a car with a reputation for being temperamental, integrating into a team with a rich but demanding culture, and going toe-to-toe with Leclerc—a young star known for his blistering pace—won’t be easy. Yet, Collins sees these hurdles as the perfect fuel for Hamilton’s fire. “Ferrari is going to be a challenge, beating Leclerc is going to be a challenge,” she said. “So I think we’re going to see Lewis 2.0.” It’s a tantalizing prospect: a veteran champion reborn, ready to prove he’s still got the edge to dominate.

Hamilton himself has embraced the Ferrari journey with a passion that’s palpable. In the 50 days since reuniting with team principal Fred Vasseur—whom he raced for two decades ago in his junior career—he’s thrown himself into the project. He parked his motorhome near Fiorano, Ferrari’s private test track, immersing himself in the team’s world. He’s even started Italian lessons, signaling his commitment to fully embedding himself in Maranello’s storied legacy. When he first drove the SF-25, he couldn’t contain his joy. “One of the best feelings of my life,” he called it, a grin splitting his face. In a BBC interview, he struggled to articulate the depth of his excitement. “I don’t have the words to really explain just how excited I am,” he said. “I’m embarking on something brand new for me and something I didn’t think would happen when I turned 40. I’m still pinching myself. I’m going to be starting a grand prix in red. I mean, wow.”

That “wow” has echoed across the F1 community since the announcement. Hamilton, with 103 wins and a towering influence on the sport, joining Ferrari—the team with the richest history in F1—feels like a match made in motorsport heaven. The paddock is abuzz with the fairytale-like quality of it all: a legendary driver, in the twilight of his career, taking on a new quest with a team desperate to reclaim its past glory. As Melbourne approaches, the spotlight will be firmly on Hamilton, his every move scrutinized for signs of the “Lewis 2.0” Collins predicts. Can he adapt to Ferrari’s ways? Can he outpace Leclerc? Can he lead the Scuderia to a title drought’s end? The answers are coming, and if Hamilton’s early enthusiasm is any indication, this fairytale might just have a championship-sized happily ever after.