Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the top of an unbelievable 12-season partnership, throughout which he secured six world titles with the staff. 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 staff 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 take a look at with Ferrari, a transition that may require him to adapt to an Italian staff after spending his whole F1 profession with English-based outfits.
Guenther Steiner, the previous Haas staff principal, has defined why this new problem is essential for Hamilton, notably in his rivalry with Charles Leclerc. In keeping with Guenther Steiner, going through off towards the gifted Monegasque driver is strictly what Hamilton wants as he approaches the following section of his profession.
Martin Brundle believes Charles Leclerc is the quickest driver on the present grid, which can undoubtedly push Hamilton, who has had his justifiable share of powerful teammates up to now. Charles Leclerc’s distinctive pace in qualifying is clear, having claimed pole positions in Monaco and Azerbaijan this season. Nevertheless, he’s recognized to push the bounds, which has typically led to errors, comparable to 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 may function a much-needed motivator for the 39-year-old Lewis Hamilton. Guenther Steiner means that as drivers age, the challenges turn into higher, however for the seven-time F1 world champion, taking over Chares Leclerc as a teammate might be the spark that revitalizes his ardour for racing: “It’s noticeable in all of us, and I’m positive there are athletes as nicely, however when you get to 40, I feel it additionally turns into tougher for a driver when it comes to response instances, however I feel the drive remains to be there.” – the previous Haas staff boss acknowledged in an interview for the Champ1 YouTube channel – “The automobile needs to 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 staff supervisor continued.
Lewis Hamilton should keep his robust 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 a component 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 shall be introducing a brand new automobile idea for the upcoming season, but when Hamilton can keep his race tempo, he’ll stay a formidable competitor.
The staff may be taking some dangers with the event of subsequent yr’s automobile, and the upgraded suspension might be an asset for Hamilton’s efficiency.
A robust begin with Ferrari, particularly with a victory, could be a significant optimistic for the seven-time world champion, although considerations linger about his means to beat the inconsistency that has characterised his latest kind.
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