Seven-time Method 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is formally a Ferrari driver. As of January 1, 2025, this long-anticipated transfer has change into actuality.
The union between probably the most profitable driver in Method 1 historical past, measured by race wins, and the game’s most legendary staff has despatched waves of pleasure by the F1 group. Ferrari and the British driver becoming a member of forces units the stage for what may very well be one of the crucial thrilling and extremely anticipated seasons in current reminiscence.
Nonetheless, not everyone seems to be satisfied this partnership will yield success. Beneath the floor of the widespread buzz, doubts linger about Hamilton’s present kind.
The seven-time world champion is coming off probably the most difficult season of his illustrious profession. For the primary time, Lewis Hamilton completed exterior the highest six within the Drivers’ Championship, ending the 2024 marketing campaign in seventh place. Whereas this place was reflective of Mercedes’ lackluster automobile efficiency, it’s his struggles towards teammate George Russell which have sparked concern.
George Russell dominated Lewis Hamilton in qualifying, outperforming him 19-5—a Saturday deficit unprecedented in Hamilton’s profession. Such a efficiency has raised questions on whether or not the 39-year-old is on the decline or just struggling to adapt to the present technology of F1 equipment.
Flavio Briatore Questions Ferrari’s Option to Signal Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari’s resolution to usher in Hamilton has additionally disrupted a steady and profitable driver line-up. The Scuderia, whereas nonetheless chasing their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008, got here nearer than ever final season. They completed simply 14 factors behind McLaren, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz delivering a mixed complete of 5 wins and a grid-high 22 podium finishes.
Regardless of this success, Ferrari opted to launch Carlos Sainz, who has now joined Williams, a staff that completed close to the again of the grid. Talking to *Sport Bild*, through *sport.de*, former Renault staff boss and present Alpine staff principal Flavio Briatore expressed skepticism about Ferrari’s transfer. He argued that the Italian facet already had a “prime” driver pairing and questioned the logic of disrupting their established components.
Nonetheless, the Italian supervisor acknowledged the potential upside of the daring resolution. He admitted that Lewis Hamilton’s presence in Ferrari’s scarlet pink automobile is undeniably “good for Method 1” and recommended the veteran driver could but show him flawed by reigniting Ferrari’s championship hopes.
Because the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will probably be on Hamilton and Ferrari to see if this partnership can reside as much as its monumental expectations—or if the skeptics will probably be confirmed proper.
“Will probably be unusual to see Lewis within the Ferrari,” he mentioned. “After all I respect such choices, however I additionally wonder if it is sensible. Ferrari had two prime drivers in Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. I don’t perceive why they cut up up this nice pairing. It’s not my job to evaluate, but when I had been ready of accountability at Ferrari, I wouldn’t have signed Lewis.” – the Italian identified.
“In precept, it’s good for Method 1 if Lewis drives for Ferrari. And every part that’s good for Method 1 is nice for me too. It’s actually good for tv and the scores too. Let’s wait and see. Time will inform how effectively he drives within the Ferrari.” – the Alpine staff boss continued.
Ferrari mechanics could already be warming to Lewis Hamilton after his gesture at Yas Marina.
Flavio Briatore, who led Benetton throughout Michael Schumacher’s first two championship wins in 1994 and 1995, and later managed Fernando Alonso, is well-versed in working with the game’s legends. Nonetheless, his current remarks questioning Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari could solely serve to ignite the seven-time world champion’s willpower as he prepares for his debut with the Scuderia on the Australian Grand Prix.
Hamilton is chasing historical past, aiming to change into the primary driver since Jack Brabham in 1966 to clinch a championship on the age of 40 or older. His arrival at Ferrari marks a brand new chapter for each the driving force and the staff, and his actions in Abu Dhabi provided a glimpse into how he plans to combine together with his new environment.
Over the past spherical of the 2024 Method 1 marketing campaign, which was held on the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, Lewis Hamilton, nonetheless racing for Mercedes on the time, greeted Ferrari mechanics in Italian. The gesture, coupled together with his efforts to study the language, seemingly endeared him to his future colleagues. Such actions recommend the Briton is raring to immerse himself in Ferrari’s tradition, a transfer that would strengthen bonds inside the staff as they put together for a pivotal 2025 season.
The seven-time Method 1 world champion’s contract with the Maranello staff is anticipated to span two to a few years, offering a restricted timeframe to safe the elusive eighth title that has evaded him since 2020. Whereas his speedy focus will probably be on attaining this historic milestone, Ferrari is already trying to the longer term. Rising star Oliver Bearman is extensively tipped as a possible successor to Lewis Hamilton, with many anticipating the younger Brit to hitch the staff within the coming years.
For now, Lewis Hamilton’s time at Maranello provides a singular alternative to show himself within the iconic scarlet pink, whereas additionally laying the groundwork for Ferrari’s subsequent technology of expertise.
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