Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the tip of an unbelievable 12-season partnership, throughout which he secured six world titles with the group. 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 group 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 for the reason that 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 remaining season with Mercedes, the British driver now faces a brand new check with Ferrari, a transition that may require him to adapt to an Italian group after spending his whole F1 profession with English-based outfits.
Guenther Steiner, the previous Haas group principal, has defined why this new problem is essential for Hamilton, significantly in his rivalry with Charles Leclerc. Based on Guenther Steiner, going through off in opposition to the gifted Monegasque driver is strictly what Hamilton wants as he approaches the following section 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 powerful teammates previously. Charles Leclerc’s distinctive velocity in qualifying is obvious, having claimed pole positions in Monaco and Azerbaijan this season. Nevertheless, he’s recognized to push the boundaries, which has generally led to errors, reminiscent of crashes in Azerbaijan and Miami. Alternatively, 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 might function a much-needed motivator for the 39-year-old Lewis Hamilton. Guenther Steiner means that as drivers age, the challenges turn into 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 when it comes to response instances, however I believe the drive continues to be there.” – the previous Haas group boss said in an interview for the Champ1 YouTube channel – “The automobile must be good, and Charles Leclerc received’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 group supervisor continued.
Lewis Hamilton should preserve his robust race tempo at Ferrari. Whereas he has struggled with qualifying efficiency currently, his misfortune, like in Abu Dhabi when he hit a bollard knocked over by Kevin Magnussen, has additionally performed an element in his setbacks.
Nevertheless, the British driver demonstrated his talent on the Yas Marina Circuit, the place he made a outstanding restoration from sixteenth to fourth on the grid. Ferrari shall be introducing a brand new automobile idea for the upcoming season, but when Hamilton can preserve his race tempo, he’ll stay a formidable competitor.
The group could 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 powerful begin with Ferrari, particularly with a victory, could be a significant constructive for the seven-time world champion, although issues linger about his means to beat the inconsistency that has characterised his latest kind.
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