Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the top of an unimaginable 12-season partnership, throughout which he secured six world titles with the workforce. Because the seven-time world champion bids farewell to the German outfit, he’s set to tackle a brand new problem at Ferrari, the place he’ll workforce up with Charles Leclerc in 2025.
This season, Ferrari has outpaced Mercedes, contending for the Constructors’ Championship, although they narrowly missed out in Abu Dhabi. In the meantime, Mercedes has struggled for the reason that introduction of the bottom impact period in 2022, with Hamilton managing solely a single victory on the British Grand Prix earlier this yr. He additionally completed second behind teammate George Russell in Belgium, however inherited the win after George Russell‘s automobile was discovered to be underweight.
After a difficult last season with Mercedes, the British driver now faces a brand new check with Ferrari, a transition that can require him to adapt to an Italian workforce after spending his whole F1 profession with English-based outfits.
Guenther Steiner, the previous Haas workforce principal, has defined why this new problem is essential for Hamilton, notably in his rivalry with Charles Leclerc. In response to Guenther Steiner, going through off in opposition to the gifted Monegasque driver is strictly what Hamilton wants as he approaches the subsequent section of his profession.
Martin Brundle believes Charles Leclerc is the quickest driver on the present grid, which is able to undoubtedly push Hamilton, who has had his fair proportion of robust teammates previously. Charles Leclerc’s distinctive pace in qualifying is obvious, having claimed pole positions in Monaco and Azerbaijan this season. Nevertheless, he’s identified to push the boundaries, which has typically led to errors, reminiscent of crashes in Azerbaijan and Miami. However, Hamilton has struggled to match Leclerc’s qualifying tempo this yr, failing to safe a single pole place.
The prospect of competing alongside the Monegasque driver might function a much-needed motivator for the 39-year-old Lewis Hamilton. Guenther Steiner means that as drivers age, the challenges turn into better, however for the seven-time F1 world champion, taking over Chares Leclerc as a teammate may very well be the spark that revitalizes his ardour for racing: “It’s noticeable in all of us, and I’m certain there are athletes as effectively, however when you get to 40, I feel it additionally turns into tougher for a driver by way of response occasions, however I feel the drive remains to be there.” – the previous Haas workforce boss said in an interview for the Champ1 YouTube channel – “The automobile must be good, and Charles Leclerc gained’t be simple to beat in the identical automobile, so it’s a problem for him, however I feel he wants it.” – the Italian and American motorsport engineer and former workforce supervisor continued.
Lewis Hamilton should preserve his sturdy race tempo at Ferrari. Whereas he has struggled with qualifying efficiency recently, his misfortune, like in Abu Dhabi when he hit a bollard knocked over by Kevin Magnussen, has additionally performed an element in his setbacks.
Nevertheless, the British driver demonstrated his talent on the Yas Marina Circuit, the place he made a exceptional restoration from sixteenth to fourth on the grid. Ferrari can be introducing a brand new automobile idea for the upcoming season, but when Hamilton can preserve his race tempo, he’ll stay a formidable competitor.
The workforce may be taking some dangers with the event of subsequent yr’s automobile, and the upgraded suspension may very well be an asset for Hamilton’s efficiency.
A robust begin with Ferrari, particularly with a victory, could be a serious optimistic for the seven-time world champion, although issues linger about his potential to beat the inconsistency that has characterised his latest type.
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