Lewis Hamilton’s extremely anticipated Ferrari tenure encountered an early hiccup when he crashed throughout a non-public take a look at in Barcelona. Nevertheless, Ferrari vice chairman Piero Ferrari has dismissed any issues surrounding the Briton’s readiness for the problem forward.
Hamilton’s change from Mercedes to Ferrari marks the start of a brand new chapter in his illustrious profession. The transfer fulfills a long-standing ambition to don the enduring purple, making Ferrari simply the third group he has raced for in Method 1. For the primary time, the seven-time world champion may even compete with a Ferrari energy unit.
To assist Hamilton adapt to his new environment, Ferrari organized a number of take a look at classes, together with runs within the 2023 SF-23 on the Fiorano circuit and the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. Nevertheless, his time on observe on the Spanish Grand Prix venue ended abruptly when he crashed at 124 mph, bringing an early halt to the session.
Piero Ferrari has ‘zero issues’ about Hamilton’s age affecting his efficiency
Ferrari engineers consider a bump within the observe was the doubtless reason for Hamilton’s accident at Flip 12, which resulted in vital front-end harm to the SF-23. The crash additionally meant that teammate Charles Leclerc was unable to finish his scheduled laps.
The Scuderia will hope that Lewis Hamilton’s Barcelona incident was merely a byproduct of pushing the automotive to its limits in a managed, personal setting. Nevertheless, questions stay as as to if the 40-year-old’s age may current a larger problem as he embarks on his Ferrari journey.
Felipe Massa has voiced issues that Hamilton’s age may make his transition extra demanding, notably when it comes to sustaining peak bodily situation. Traditionally, only a few drivers have gained races past their fortieth birthday—solely 9 in complete—with Nigel Mansell being the final to take action in 1994.
Regardless of this, Ferrari vice chairman Piero Ferrari, son of the legendary Enzo Ferrari, has dismissed any notion that Hamilton’s age may be a difficulty. He insists that the Briton’s bodily and psychological sharpness stay at an elite stage, making certain he’s greater than able to excelling with the Maranello-based group.
Ferrari advised Autosprint that whereas it’s true Lewis Hamilton is older, he stays in glorious bodily and psychological form. They expressed no issues about his age, believing it might not be a difficulty. In keeping with Ferrari, Hamilton embraced the problem with nice enthusiasm, demonstrating confidence in his talents.
Hamilton Poised to Be part of Elite Firm Amongst F1’s Oldest Race Winners
Though Piero Ferrari has dismissed issues over Lewis Hamilton’s age, the Briton is about to climb even greater within the rankings of Method 1’s oldest Grand Prix winners. At present the Twelfth-oldest driver to safe a race victory, Lewis Hamilton will transfer into the highest 10 if he stands on the highest step of the rostrum once more. With continued success, he may even break into the highest seven by 2026.
Ought to his Ferrari change yield the outcomes he hopes for, Hamilton has the chance to attain a historic milestone. He may change into the primary driver to win a Method 1 championship after turning 40 since Jack Brabham’s triumph in 1966. Moreover, if he claims a title with Ferrari, he would comply with within the footsteps of Juan Manuel Fangio, who turned the final driver to win a championship with the Scuderia after turning 40 when he secured his fourth of 5 crowns.