Lewis Hamilton’s closing chapter with the Mercedes F1 staff didn’t unfold as both the motive force or staff had envisioned after a legendary 12-year partnership.
Over the previous three seasons, Mercedes has struggled to persistently compete on the entrance, a far cry from their once-dominant type. Hamilton managed two victories in 2024—at Silverstone and Spa—however solely added three extra podium finishes to his tally all year long, marking one in all his least profitable campaigns.
Regardless of the challenges, Ferrari staff boss Fred Vasseur stays optimistic about Lewis Hamilton’s capabilities. Nonetheless, whispers of uncertainty appear to linger throughout the seven-time Components 1 world champion himself, a uncommon occasion for a driver of his stature. Whereas the British driver has sometimes exhibited self-doubt, he has repeatedly silenced critics by proving why he’s considered one in all Components 1’s all-time greats.
Racing analyst and former driver Justin Bell affords recommendation to Lewis Hamilton
Justin Bell, talking on the *Drive to Wynn Podcast*, weighed in on Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming transition to Ferrari following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Bell urged Hamilton to shed any lingering self-doubt and give attention to confidence as he begins this new chapter.
The Abu Dhabi weekend was a microcosm of Lewis Hamilton’s tumultuous 2024 Components 1 marketing campaign. A expensive error within the qualifying session on the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island noticed him collide with a bollard, however the Brit bounced again with a exceptional drive to say fourth place within the race—a testomony to his enduring expertise and willpower: “I wish to rapidly speak about Mercedes, clearly, particularly Lewis Hamilton and his run to fourth place. It was such a powerful end, wonderful drive from P16.” – defined the British race automotive driver, who after a profitable profession behind the wheel, transitioned into the media world – “I hope as we go into subsequent 12 months, we eliminate a few of his generally, I feel self-defacing feedback like, ‘I’m not quick anymore. I haven’t received it.’ I feel he simply will get so robust on himself. Think about, you’re the most profitable Components 1 driver in historical past and also you’re qualifying sixteenth. I do know he had a bollard underneath the automotive and issues which he picked up.” – he added.
“However I feel for Lewis, undoubtedly on the finish of the race, you can see that emotion, that beautiful overtake on George Russell on the ultimate lap to take fourth place. It was on Instagram yesterday, somebody from the group had a special angle and simply seeing the fluid pace holding it in. I’ve stated all of it the way in which alongside, I feel he’s going to enter Ferrari like an outdated canine with a brand new pet to play with. He might be able to go.” – Justin Bell identified.
Lewis Hamilton must make a powerful begin with Ferrari to dispel any lingering doubts
Hamilton was unable to take part in Ferrari’s post-season testing in Abu Dhabi as a consequence of sponsorship obligations with Mercedes.
Having now bid farewell to his longtime staff, Hamilton is ready to journey to Maranello in January to start preparations for the 2025 marketing campaign. Charles Leclerc is predicted to be a formidable teammate for Hamilton, significantly given issues over the Briton’s one-lap efficiency.
This season, Lewis Hamilton has been overshadowed in qualifying by George Russell, whereas Charles Leclerc is extensively considered Components 1’s quickest qualifier. Furthermore, the Monegasque driver is way extra conversant in the nuances of racing for Ferrari, whereas Lewis Hamilton will face a interval of adjustment as he integrates into the staff.
Early situations are prone to favor Charles Leclerc, which means the seven-time F1 world champion will need to have unwavering confidence in his means to match or surpass his new Maranello teammate as he tackles this subsequent chapter of his Components 1 profession.
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