Seven-time Components 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has formally begun his new chapter at Ferrari, one of the crucial iconic strikes in Components 1 historical past, and the stress is on for him to make it a triumphant one.
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari was confirmed in February final yr, ending a legendary 12-year tenure at Mercedes. Almost a yr later, the seven-time world champion has lastly donned the well-known crimson swimsuit, making his extremely anticipated debut with the staff throughout a take a look at session at Fiorano on Wednesday. The historic second drew over 1,000 Tifosi to the observe, wanting to witness the start of a brand new period.
The importance of Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari can’t be overstated. It’s being hailed as one of many largest transfers in Components 1 historical past, additional evidenced by the overwhelming response to his first picture in Ferrari colours. The picture turned the most-liked F1-related image of all time, surpassing Charles Leclerc’s viral put up following his victory at Monza final season.
Together with his arrival at Maranello, Lewis Hamilton joins an elite checklist of world champions who’ve raced for Ferrari, together with Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel. Nonetheless, after enduring probably the most difficult season of his profession in 2024, questions stay about whether or not he can ship the outcomes Ferrari and its passionate fanbase count on. To succeed, Hamilton should keep away from repeating the pricey errors of those that got here earlier than him.
Why Lewis Hamilton Should Keep away from Gerhard Berger’s ‘Massive Mistake’ at Ferrari
Racing for the Maranello staff means extra than simply competing for a staff—it means representing a whole nation. Drivers who embrace Italian tradition and join with the Tifosi usually obtain a particular standing at Ferrari, turning into extra than simply athletes—they change into icons.
One key approach to earn this adoration is by studying the Italian language. Legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and most just lately Charles Leclerc all took the time to study Italian, which helped them construct stronger bonds with the staff and its devoted followers. Gerhard Berger, nonetheless, selected to not study the language throughout his stint at Ferrari, a call he later deeply regretted.
Talking on the *Past The Grid* podcast, Gerhard Berger mirrored on his missed alternative, admitting that speaking straight with the staff in Italian would have been a “good thing” and will have strengthened his reference to Ferrari. For the British driver, avoiding this identical oversight will likely be essential. Mastering the language won’t solely assist him combine into the staff but in addition solidify his place within the hearts of the Tifosi.
As Lewis Hamilton begins his journey with Ferrari, embracing the tradition and studying from previous missteps might make all of the distinction between a memorable stint and an unforgettable legacy.
Gerhard Berger expressed deep remorse over not taking the time to study Italian throughout his profession. He acknowledged that it might have been immensely beneficial to speak straight with the staff, describing it as a missed alternative. Regardless of dwelling near the Italian border in Austria and feeling a robust cultural connection to Italy, he admitted he selected to not examine the language, which he now considers a major mistake.
Berger famous that Austrians share many cultural similarities with Italians, from spending holidays there to appreciating their life-style. He felt a pure match throughout the Italian setting and believed that mutual respect and admiration existed between him and the Tifosi.
He went on to emphasise how a lot he liked the Italian tradition, from their delicacies and vogue to their approach of constructing automobiles, including that he all the time felt a robust bond with it. Reflecting on his profession, Berger said that the Ferrari staff by no means let him down, standing by him by way of each good and difficult occasions.
Lewis Hamilton is Losing No Time in Avoiding Gerhard Berger’s Misstep
In simply his first week as a Ferrari driver, Lewis Hamilton has already begun laying the groundwork to construct a robust connection along with his new staff and keep away from the cultural disconnect that Gerhard Berger admitted to throughout his personal time at Ferrari.
Hamilton’s race engineer at Ferrari will likely be Riccardo Adami, who beforehand labored with Sebastian Vettel from 2015 to 2020. To arrange for this new partnership, Hamilton has already sought perception from Vettel about Adami, aiming to determine the form of rapport he loved with Peter Bonnington throughout his profitable years at Mercedes. Constructing an in depth and efficient relationship along with his race engineer is a key precedence for Hamilton as he adapts to his new setting.
Past the technical aspect, Hamilton can be making a concerted effort to immerse himself in Ferrari’s distinctive tradition. He has already begun speaking along with his new colleagues in Italian—a talent he has evidently labored on. Through the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton greeted the Ferrari mechanics of their native language, marking the beginning of his cultural integration even earlier than formally becoming a member of the staff.
This effort prolonged additional throughout his debut take a look at within the SF-23 at Fiorano, the place the British driver was heard talking Italian with manufacturing facility workers, mechanics, and even the followers who got here to witness the historic second. His willingness to embrace the staff’s language and traditions has already made a constructive impression on each the Ferrari workforce and the Tifosi.
Because the 2025 Components 1 season approaches, expectations are sky-high for Hamilton’s tenure with F1’s most iconic staff. Ferrari’s passionate fanbase is demanding nothing lower than a world championship from the seven-time champion. If Hamilton can proceed adapting shortly to his new environment and fostering robust relationships throughout the staff, he will likely be well-positioned to chase his eighth title and ship Ferrari’s long-awaited return to glory.
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