All eyes will probably be on seven-time Method 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton when the pre-season testing kicks off on the Bahrain Worldwide circuit this February.
For the primary time in his illustrious Method 1 profession, Lewis Hamilton won’t be piloting a automotive powered by Mercedes. As a substitute, he’ll be representing Ferrari, marking a seismic shift within the F1 panorama. This transfer comes after Ferrari sensed a possibility to safe the seven-time world champion’s companies forward of the 2024 season.
Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes had been a modest one-plus-one-year deal, full with exit clauses for either side. This left the door open for Ferrari to swoop in with an attractive provide: a two-year contract with the choice to increase via 2027. Now, Lewis Hamilton’s hopes relaxation on Ferrari’s capacity to keep up the momentum they constructed through the latter half of the earlier season.
The Scuderia’s resurgence was underscored by Charles Leclerc’s gorgeous victory within the Italian Grand Prix on the Monza circuit, aided by a track-specific replace that proved Ferrari may outpace McLaren and shut the hole to Crimson Bull. Moreover, the Monegasque’s spectacular cost from nineteenth to 3rd in Abu Dhabi showcased the crew’s potential. If not for a flawless efficiency by Lando Norris, Ferrari might need clinched the Constructors’ Championship.
Regardless of these promising indicators, Hamilton has been uncharacteristically self-critical about his personal performances in 2023, significantly in qualifying. He was outqualified 19-5 by Mercedes teammate George Russell through the sport’s longest-ever season, whereas Charles Leclerc’s popularity as F1’s premier qualifier looms massive.
Nevertheless, Crimson Bull’s Helmut Marko nonetheless sees Hamilton as a pressure to be reckoned with. In a latest interview with German motorsport information web site Speedweek, the Crimson Bull boss acknowledged Lewis Hamilton’s enduring brilliance, describing him as ‘world-class’ in a particular space. Because the F1 world waits with bated breath, the British driver’s transition to Ferrari is shaping as much as be one of the crucial fascinating storylines of the upcoming season.
When requested concerning the 2025 Method 1 marketing campaign, Helmut Marko admitted that “we will also be enthusiastic about Lewis Hamilton within the Ferrari. He could have one of many strongest opponents in qualifying in Charles Leclerc. Within the race, he can nonetheless be world-class if the automotive is true. However we additionally noticed at Mercedes that his motivation is restricted if the automotive isn’t superb. He must know that he can get on the rostrum with it. He’s unlikely to exit of his manner for a tenth place.” – he identified.
Lewis Hamilton’s efficiency in Abu Dhabi served as a strong reminder of the worth he’ll carry to Ferrari.
One of the debated matters because the season progressed was whether or not Ferrari had made the best name in changing Carlos Sainz with Hamilton. This choice drew sharp criticism, with former crew boss Eddie Jordan even suggesting that Ferrari ought to tear up Hamilton’s contract, lamenting the immense expertise they had been permitting to depart for Williams.
Carlos Sainz, now with some extent to show, will undoubtedly strategy subsequent F1 marketing campaign with dedication, aiming to raise his new midfield crew and make a case for his place amongst race-winning contenders. His triumph in Mexico Metropolis, achieved after a panoramic pole-winning lap, showcased the skillset that fuels his perception in his championship potential.
In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton’s remaining outing with Mercedes underscored that his finest days are removed from behind him. Regardless of an early setback—a collision with a bollard that relegated him to P16 and necessitated a restoration drive—he demonstrated his resilience and racecraft. In a automotive able to difficult for a podium, Lewis Hamilton staged a outstanding comeback.
A spotlight of the race got here on the ultimate lap, the place he executed a spectacular transfer to overhaul his teammate, who had began ten positions forward. This clinched Lewis Hamilton’s victory of their head-to-head rivalry as teammates over three seasons, reinforcing his aggressive edge.
As Lewis Hamilton heads to Ferrari, the following chapter of his profession guarantees to be equally thrilling. If he can prevail in his upcoming intra-team battle towards his Maranello teammate, the opportunity of securing an unprecedented eighth world championship stays nicely inside attain.
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