Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the tip of an unimaginable 12-season partnership, throughout which he secured six world titles with the crew. 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 crew 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 because the introduction of the bottom impact period in 2022, with Hamilton managing solely a single victory on the British Grand Prix earlier this 12 months. 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 ultimate season with Mercedes, the British driver now faces a brand new take a look at with Ferrari, a transition that can require him to adapt to an Italian crew after spending his complete F1 profession with English-based outfits.
Guenther Steiner, the previous Haas crew principal, has defined why this new problem is essential for Hamilton, significantly in his rivalry with Charles Leclerc. In keeping with Guenther Steiner, going through off in opposition to the gifted Monegasque driver is precisely what Hamilton wants as he approaches the following part 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 fair proportion of robust teammates up to now. Charles Leclerc’s distinctive velocity in qualifying is clear, having claimed pole positions in Monaco and Azerbaijan this season. Nonetheless, he’s recognized to push the bounds, which has typically led to errors, similar to crashes in Azerbaijan and Miami. However, Hamilton has struggled to match Leclerc’s qualifying tempo this 12 months, 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 grow to be better, however for the seven-time F1 world champion, taking up Chares Leclerc as a teammate could possibly be the spark that revitalizes his ardour for racing: “It’s noticeable in all of us, and I’m positive there are athletes as effectively, however when you get to 40, I believe it additionally turns into harder for a driver by way of response occasions, however I believe the drive remains to be there.” – the previous Haas crew 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 believe he wants it.” – the Italian and American motorsport engineer and former crew supervisor continued.
Lewis Hamilton should keep his robust race tempo at Ferrari. Whereas he has struggled with qualifying efficiency these days, his misfortune, like in Abu Dhabi when he hit a bollard knocked over by Kevin Magnussen, has additionally performed an element in his setbacks.
Nonetheless, the British driver demonstrated his ability on the Yas Marina Circuit, the place he made a exceptional restoration from sixteenth to fourth on the grid. Ferrari might 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 crew may be taking some dangers with the event of subsequent 12 months’s automobile, and the upgraded suspension could possibly 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 considerations linger about his potential to beat the inconsistency that has characterised his current type.
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