Seven-time Components 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has formally begun his new chapter at Ferrari, probably the most 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. Practically a yr later, the seven-time world champion has lastly donned the well-known crimson swimsuit, making his extremely anticipated debut with the group throughout a take a look at session at Fiorano on Wednesday. The historic second drew over 1,000 Tifosi to the observe, desperate 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 greatest 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 submit following his victory at Monza final season.
Along with his arrival at Maranello, Lewis Hamilton joins an elite listing of world champions who’ve raced for Ferrari, together with Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel. Nevertheless, 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 ‘Large Mistake’ at Ferrari
Racing for the Maranello group means extra than simply competing for a group—it means representing a whole nation. Drivers who embrace Italian tradition and join with the Tifosi usually obtain a particular standing at Ferrari, changing into extra than simply athletes—they change into icons.
One key solution 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 group and its devoted followers. Gerhard Berger, nevertheless, selected to not study the language throughout his stint at Ferrari, a choice he later deeply regretted.
Talking on the *Past The Grid* podcast, Gerhard Berger mirrored on his missed alternative, admitting that speaking instantly with the group in Italian would have been a “great point” and will have strengthened his reference to Ferrari. For the British driver, avoiding this similar oversight will probably be essential. Mastering the language won’t solely assist him combine into the group but additionally 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 may 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 could have been immensely worthwhile to speak instantly with the group, describing it as a missed alternative. Regardless of residing near the Italian border in Austria and feeling a powerful cultural connection to Italy, he admitted he selected to not research the language, which he now considers a big 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 inside the Italian surroundings and believed that mutual respect and admiration existed between him and the Tifosi.
He went on to emphasise how a lot he cherished the Italian tradition, from their delicacies and style to their manner of constructing vehicles, including that he all the time felt a powerful bond with it. Reflecting on his profession, Berger acknowledged that the Ferrari group by no means let him down, standing by him by means 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 powerful connection together with his new group 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 probably be Riccardo Adami, who beforehand labored with Sebastian Vettel from 2015 to 2020. To organize for this new partnership, Hamilton has already sought perception from Vettel about Adami, aiming to determine the sort of rapport he loved with Peter Bonnington throughout his profitable years at Mercedes. Constructing an in depth and efficient relationship together with his race engineer is a key precedence for Hamilton as he adapts to his new surroundings.
Past the technical aspect, Hamilton can be making a concerted effort to immerse himself in Ferrari’s distinctive tradition. He has already begun speaking together with his new colleagues in Italian—a ability he has evidently labored on. Throughout 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 group.
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 staff, mechanics, and even the followers who got here to witness the historic second. His willingness to embrace the group’s language and traditions has already made a optimistic 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 group. Ferrari’s passionate fanbase is demanding nothing lower than a world championship from the seven-time champion. If Hamilton can proceed adapting rapidly to his new environment and fostering robust relationships inside the group, he will probably be well-positioned to chase his eighth title and ship Ferrari’s long-awaited return to glory.
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