The countdown to a historic second in System 1 is underway as Lewis Hamilton prepares to drive a Ferrari for the primary time.
The seven-time F1 world champion will be part of the legendary Maranello staff in 2025 after a rare 12-year stint with Mercedes, the place he shattered quite a few data. Lewis Hamilton’s £39 million-a-year contract with Ferrari was signed even earlier than the 2024 season started, with affirmation in February that he would substitute Carlos Sainz for the next 12 months.
Regardless of his exceptional profession, the 2024 season proved difficult for Hamilton. The Brit struggled to seek out consistency with a Mercedes automotive that was typically troublesome to deal with. Qualifying was notably problematic, as he endured 4 Q1 eliminations and finally completed a career-low seventh within the Drivers’ Championship standings.
Nonetheless, Lewis Hamilton showcased flashes of his legendary brilliance, securing victories on the British Grand Prix and Belgian Grand Prix—his first wins since Jeddah in 2021. His closing race with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi featured a classic efficiency, the place he charged from sixteenth on the grid to complete fourth, offering a becoming send-off as he gears up for a brand new chapter at Ferrari.
Fred Vasseur’s Recommendation: One Emotional Lap, Then Focus
Pleasure is constructing amongst followers for the British driver’s debut in Ferrari pink. As a result of contractual obligations, Mercedes barred him from collaborating in Ferrari’s post-season check in Abu Dhabi. Nonetheless, Ferrari has scheduled Lewis Hamilton’s first check in January at their Fiorano Circuit, with contingency plans to maneuver the session to Mugello or Imola if climate circumstances disrupt the schedule. He may even be part of a Pirelli check in Barcelona in February.
The extremely anticipated check is anticipated to be an emotional second for each Hamilton and the F1 neighborhood. Nonetheless, Ferrari staff principal Frederic Vasseur lightheartedly remarked that Hamilton would solely be allowed one lap to savor the event earlier than getting again to enterprise.
In an interview with Sky Sports activities F1, the French supervisor shared his ideas on the upcoming check: “We’re depending on the climate, it’s not straightforward in January. Yeah it’s true that it’s fairly emotional as a result of I believe he has this second in his thoughts for in all probability 20 years. It implies that will probably be emotional however it needs to be emotional for one lap! After which to be targeted.” – the previous Alfa Romeo staff boss defined.
Can Lewis Hamilton Thrive at Ferrari?
Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming transfer to Ferrari is about to be a defining chapter in his illustrious System 1 profession, seemingly his closing switch earlier than retirement. With a record-breaking eighth world championship in his sights, the seven-time champion can be decided to make this chance rely.
Nonetheless, questions stay about Hamilton’s skill to succeed with the Maranello-based squad. His current struggles with Mercedes throughout the ground-effect period have raised doubts, compounded by the truth that he was outperformed by his youthful teammate, George Russell, throughout the 2024 season.
At Ferrari, the challenges gained’t ease. Hamilton must deal with Charles Leclerc, broadly thought to be one of many quickest drivers in qualifying, as his teammate. Moreover, adapting to new staff dynamics, unfamiliar personnel, and doubtlessly even a brand new working language will add to the complexity of his activity.
Former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo has lately weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that clear and cohesive administration can be essential for the British driver’s success on the Maranello staff beginning with the upcoming marketing campaign. In keeping with the ex-Ferrari president, such stability can be important if the seven-time System 1 world champion is to not solely problem Charles Leclerc but additionally set up himself as a dominant drive within the battle for the 2025 world championship.
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