Lewis Hamilton’s closing chapters with Mercedes earlier than his much-anticipated change to Ferrari had been removed from the triumphant farewell many had envisioned.
Earlier than delivering an emotional last victory for Mercedes at his residence British Grand Prix, Hamilton endured a close to three-year drought with out a win, spanning virtually 1,000 days. Even his subsequent victory at Spa, which added one other achievement to his glittering profession, got here beneath uncommon circumstances following the disqualification of teammate George Russell after the race.
Now coming into his 18th Formulation 1 season, the seven-time Formulation 1 world champion is ready to embark on a brand new chapter, one that may see him don the long-lasting pink of Ferrari. This pairing, Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari, is a union that has lengthy been the topic of fan hypothesis and intrigue. For years, the chance appeared more and more distant as Hamilton’s unprecedented success with Mercedes continued to solidify his legacy. But, the dream state of affairs is lastly turning into actuality.
Lewis Hamilton’s first expertise behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formulation 1 automobile is simply across the nook. With solely weeks to go till pre-season testing in Bahrain, he’ll quickly start his work with Ferrari’s 2025 challenger, a automobile that carries the burden of excessive expectations. Reflecting on what lies forward, motorsport journalist Mark Hughes shared his insights on The Race F1 Podcast. Hughes supplied an early evaluation of how Hamilton may adapt to life at Maranello and famous a major distinction that might play to the British driver’s benefit.
Grand Prix editor for Motor Sport journal Mark Hughes identified that one ‘excessive’ problem Hamilton confronted throughout his time with Mercedes, one thing that proved a recurring hurdle—might not be as pronounced at Ferrari. This alteration might permit Lewis Hamilton to completely exploit his driving expertise and thrive in a brand new surroundings with fewer of the constraints he struggled in opposition to in his last years at Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton, recognized for his capability to extract each ounce of efficiency from a automobile, might discover the Ferrari 2025 machine extra to his liking, giving him the liberty to push tougher and extra constantly than earlier than. As he prepares to depart behind the struggles of latest seasons, the stage is ready for a captivating new chapter within the profession of one in all Formulation 1’s biggest drivers.
When requested concerning the elements that may decide the battle between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, Hughes defined that it will in the end come right down to uncooked pace. He famous that after a season the place Hamilton was decisively outperformed by a teammate for the primary time in his profession, there have been now query marks surrounding his tempo. In distinction, Hughes asserted that Charles Leclerc’s pace was unquestionable.
Mark Hughes steered that Hamilton, regardless of his unparalleled profession achievements, may enter Ferrari as a slight underdog. Nevertheless, he added that the state of affairs won’t be as easy because it appeared. He identified a believable clarification for Hamilton’s struggles with the Mercedes, associated to the automobile’s restricted pitching and diving traits, which clashed with Hamilton’s pure driving model.
The Formulation 1 professional additional remarked that Ferrari’s automobile didn’t appear to exhibit the identical excessive traits. As a substitute, it appeared to permit for a extra aggressive nook entry, as Leclerc had demonstrated on quite a few events. He highlighted that this attribute had been a trademark of Ferrari’s vehicles over the previous three or 4 years and speculated that it’d carry over into their 2025 challenger.
Given this, Mark Hughes contemplated whether or not the Ferrari’s traits would align effectively with Hamilton’s driving model. In that case, he predicted an distinctive and thrilling rivalry between the 2 drivers.
Ferrari demonstrated in 2024 that they’re able to offering Lewis Hamilton with a race-winning Formulation 1 automobile.
Hamilton introduced his departure from Mercedes forward of the season, permitting him a complete yr to bid farewell to his loyal followers at each circuit he visited. Every milestone carried emotional weight for the seven-time champion, and his last efficiency within the W15 proved his enduring ability. Beginning deep within the discipline, Hamilton fought his method by means of the pack to safe a P4 end, overtaking teammate George Russell within the course of.
Commentator Martin Brundle had even predicted Hamilton’s decisive last-lap transfer on Russell, a second that showcased the veteran driver’s unrelenting starvation. That willpower will undoubtedly give Ferrari crew boss Fred Vasseur confidence in his daring determination to switch Carlos Sainz with the skilled Hamilton.
Whereas Hamilton’s dramatic comeback within the Abu Dhabi finale was a spotlight for followers, Ferrari would have been equally thrilled by their vital progress all through the 2024 season. Though a poorly executed replace on the Spanish Grand Prix briefly derailed their momentum, the Scuderia shortly recovered. By the top of the yr, they had been working at a degree corresponding to Constructors’ Champions McLaren, a exceptional feat that underscored their resurgence.
This upward trajectory bodes effectively for the long run. If Ferrari can maintain their 2024 type into the 2025 season, the 2 Maranello drivers might discover themselves battling for the championship. For Lewis Hamilton, it will be an opportunity so as to add one other chapter to his storied profession, whereas Ferrari would relish the chance to return to their former glory with two of the grid’s prime abilities on the helm.
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