Lewis Hamilton’s ultimate System 1 season with Mercedes was removed from the fairytale ending many had hoped for, although he nonetheless managed to ship two spectacular victories earlier than bidding farewell.
His historic ninth British Grand Prix win supplied a shining spotlight, giving each Mercedes and the followers a particular second to recollect. It was a becoming conclusion to an 11-year partnership as Lewis Hamilton bowed out in type. Nonetheless, the temper turned bitter on the season finale in Abu Dhabi, the place staff boss Toto Wolff might barely include his frustration after Hamilton suffered the ignominy of being eradicated in Q1 throughout his final outing for the Silver Arrows.
The seven-time World Champion will now embark on a contemporary chapter with Ferrari, becoming a member of forces with Charles Leclerc to chase a title that has eluded the Scuderia for what will likely be 17 lengthy years. Nico Rosberg has already voiced considerations that Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari may transform a tricky watch, notably if his efficiency continues to say no. Hamilton is keenly conscious of his want to enhance his qualifying tempo in 2025; with out doing so, he dangers leaving himself with insurmountable challenges throughout race day.
Lucas di Grassi explains why he’d ‘by no means signal’ Lewis Hamilton for Ferrari
Hamilton’s Ferrari deal contains an preliminary two-year time period, with the choice for a further yr in 2026 ought to each events agree to increase the contract.
Ought to the Brit achieve capturing a record-breaking eighth Drivers’ Championship throughout this era, there stays a powerful risk he may select to retire on a excessive.
At Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton will reportedly profit from having his most popular aspect of the storage, a setup that might doubtlessly assist him carry out at the next stage.
Regardless of these elements, former System 1 driver Lucas di Grassi shared a daring perspective throughout an interview with Motorsport Brasil’s YouTube channel. Di Grassi made it clear that, have been he ready to decide on Ferrari’s lineup, he would categorically keep away from signing Hamilton. The Brazilian cited considerations over Lewis Hamilton’s price and questioned whether or not his worth as a driver justifies the numerous funding Ferrari is making.
“I by no means would rent Hamilton for Ferrari if I have been to get screwed. Firstly, it’s costly, it is extremely costly and I feel he’s not in his prime. I’d rent one other driver who will attain the prime inside Ferrari on the proper time.” – identified the Brazilian racing driver, who competes in System E for Abt.
Why Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are primed to work nicely collectively at Ferrari
One of many key causes Lewis Hamilton agreed to hitch Ferrari practically a yr in the past was the sturdy relationship he shares with staff principal Fred Vasseur, a determine who has performed a pivotal function in his profession.
Hamilton and Fred Vasseur’s historical past goes again to earlier than the Briton even made his System 1 debut, and this long-standing bond might show invaluable as Ferrari embarks on its 2025 marketing campaign. Their mutual belief and understanding could provide Hamilton a clean transition into his new staff, enabling him to combine rapidly and deal with delivering outcomes.
Charles Leclerc, in the meantime, additionally enjoys a constructive relationship with Fred Vasseur, having labored collectively throughout his early profession. This present concord between the drivers and their staff boss is a serious asset as Ferrari look to mount a severe problem in 2025. All three share a standard aim: stopping McLaren from reclaiming the Constructors’ Championship and dethroning Max Verstappen within the Drivers’ standings.
The truth that Ferrari ended the season with some of the aggressive vehicles on the grid offers a stable basis to construct on. Nonetheless, the staff might want to work relentlessly over the winter break to make sure they’re absolutely ready for the Australian Grand Prix, the place the 2025 season kicks off.
If Ferrari fail to hit the bottom working, they danger repeating the pitfalls of the previous season, the place early struggles severely hampered their championship hopes. Falling behind at the beginning of the yr might derail their ambitions earlier than they’ve even begun, one thing neither Ferrari nor Hamilton can afford whereas he’s within the cockpit. Time will likely be of the essence, and each effort have to be made to capitalize on Hamilton’s arrival to maximise their probabilities of success.
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