Although Lewis Hamilton’s impending transfer to Ferrari was initially a “huge surprise,” Nico Rosberg has acknowledged that he can see the British driver’s desire to compete for “the two most legendary teams” in Formula One history.

After deciding over the winter to replace Carlos Sainz with Charles Leclerc, Hamilton will team up with Ferrari on a multi-year contract beginning in 2025, kicking off the “silly season” far sooner than usual. few months on from that decision being made and announced, Hamilton’s former Mercedes team mate Rosberg offered his thoughts on the situation and likened it to when the Briton previously swapped McLaren for the Silver Arrows.

“Of course it came as a huge surprise; no one expected it, I didn’t expect it either,” he told Sky Sports F1. “But if you look at the grand scheme of things, then why not? It’s towards the end of the career… there’s two legendary teams, it’s Mercedes and Ferrari.

“I know Lewis has always been a big fan of Ferrari road cars also, so why not make that switch and have a different experience driving in red? Then he can really tick off both boxes, he’s driven for the two most legendary teams.”

Rosberg continued: “By the way, at the moment, it also seems in performance terms to be the right decision for him. Maybe he makes an amazing move like at the time, 12 years ago, when he moved from McLaren to Mercedes.

“McLaren were winning races, Mercedes were nowhere, and the moment he moved McLaren went backwards and Mercedes started winning races. Maybe he can get the same stroke of… well, the same timing done again.”

Lewis Hamilton signs for Ferrari in 2025

Rosberg also shared his thoughts on the possible dynamic between Leclerc, who is over 13 years younger than Hamilton and looking to improve on his five race victories thus far, and the 39-year-old seven-time world champion.

“Of course, we’re all looking forward to that dynamic,” he said. “Charles doesn’t seem like someone who goes into conflict too much with his team mate, so that will make it easier. From that point of view, maybe it won’t be too extremely spicy.

“Nevertheless, Charles is probably the second-best qualifier out there after Max Verstappen, one could possibly say at the moment. It’s going to be a tough battle for both, really. I think the level could be pretty similar. It will be great to watch.”