F1 News: Former Driver Thinks Lewis Hamilton Was "The Right Character And The Perfect Fit" For Ferrari

He wanted Hamilton to strike a deal with Ferrari instead of extending his contract with Mercedes.

Former Formula 1 racing driver Johnny Herbert wished Lewis Hamilton ended his journey with Mercedes for a seat with Ferrari since he is "the right character and the perfect fit" for the Maranello-based outfit. 

Just last month, Hamilton signed a contract extension with Mercedes until the end of the 2025 season. However, considering that he will be turning 41 years old when his new contract expires, it remains to be seen if this will be his last contract in Formula 1.

Keeping the speculation of his retirement aside, there is a tiny chance of him making a switch to Ferrari after 2025. A few reports before the summer break suggested that Ferrari was interested in signing the 7-time-world champion and that the CEO himself had approached him personally with an offer which, he refused politely.

Eventually, Hamilton went for an extension with the team he had been loyal to all these years. While Herbert understands the reason for Hamilton's decision to go ahead with Mercedes, he still wishes to see the British driver end his career with Ferrari. He told the media:

"He may be aware of what may be happening in the future with Mercedes and has been satisfied that is where his future is. Still, I would have liked to have seen the final part of his career in a Ferrari.

"I honestly think he was the right character and the perfect fit for them. If he is happy where he is, for him, that is the best mental place for him to be. You have got to have belief in where you are at and Lewis does, which is why he re-signed."

Despite Mercedes' snail-pace progress with their F1 car in the last 18 months, Herbert thinks it won't become the car to get Hamilton his eighth title. He added:

"Based on the last couple of years, I don't see Lewis getting an eighth title.

"The car has got better since they changed from the original concept, but they are only as good as the gap behind Red Bull. They are not ahead of the game. Can they turn it around? I don't know. I haven't seen those positive signs. They have gone forward but not very far. The car is not a race winner."