Lewis Hamilton stands on the verge of a brand new chapter in his Components 1 journey as he prepares to don Ferrari pink for the primary time.
The seven-time world champion’s much-anticipated transfer to the Scuderia was confirmed in February of final 12 months. After almost a 12 months of buildup, the second he steps into the cockpit of Ferrari’s iconic automobile is quick approaching. Hamilton has signed a multi-year take care of the workforce, doubtless marking the ultimate section of his illustrious profession. Partnering with Charles Leclerc, the Briton may even reunite with Frederic Vasseur, his former GP2 boss, on this historic collaboration.
On the shut of 2024, Hamilton bid an emotional goodbye to Mercedes, ending a 12-year stint that delivered numerous triumphs. His ties with the model stretch even additional again, originating throughout his McLaren days. Now, the transfer to Ferrari presents a recent problem, requiring him to navigate a brand new workforce setting, a special tradition, and one of many grid’s strongest teammates in Charles Leclerc. This transition will demand seamless integration into the workforce’s operations, a activity Ferrari is already working arduous to perform.
Preparations are underway as Hamilton gears up for pre-season testing in Bahrain subsequent month. Nonetheless, the Maranello workforce will probably be eager to keep away from any missteps just like the one Hamilton made throughout his debut season at Mercedes in 2013.
Lewis Hamilton’s memorable pit cease blunder with Mercedes in 2013 is a lesson for Ferrari to heed.
Later this month, Lewis Hamilton is scheduled to check Ferrari’s automobile on the Fiorano Circuit, an occasion steeped in motorsport historical past. Anticipation is already sky-high amongst Ferrari followers, with Emerson Fittipaldi remarking that every one of Italy will pause to witness the second Hamilton takes to the observe in pink for the primary time.
Nonetheless, Ferrari plans to maintain the check low-key, focusing purely on getting ready Hamilton for the season with out the overwhelming fanfare that accompanied Michael Schumacher’s debut with the workforce. Fred Vasseur has made it clear that the precedence is to acclimate Hamilton to the workforce’s setting and guarantee he’s totally ready for the challenges forward.
One facet Ferrari will need to refine is their pit lane operations. That is notably vital after a humorous however memorable incident from Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Mercedes. On the 2013 Chinese language Grand Prix, in simply his third race for the workforce, Lewis Hamilton mistakenly become McLaren’s pit field throughout a cease. His former workforce rapidly waved him via, permitting him to rejoin the pit lane and find his precise crew. Whereas the mix-up was met with laughter on the time—even from Lewis Hamilton’s then-girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger—Ferrari will probably be eager to keep away from such a situation, particularly with their storage doubtless positioned close to Mercedes’.
Can Lewis Hamilton deliver Ferrari again to glory
Ferrari’s sturdy efficiency in 2024 gives hope that they will construct on their momentum. The workforce narrowly missed out on the constructors’ championship, ending simply 14 factors behind McLaren. With Lewis Hamilton becoming a member of Leclerc, Ferrari boasts one of the formidable driver pairings on the grid. But, Hamilton’s arrival comes with lingering questions on whether or not he can put a tough 2024 season behind him.
Final 12 months marked the British driver’s lowest profession end, ending the season in seventh place. He struggled to match teammate George Russell’s performances, notably in qualifying, which proved to be a major weak point. The seven-time Components 1 world champion has reportedly mentioned these challenges overtly with Fred Vasseur, aiming to handle them swiftly and place himself as a title contender.
Curiously, solely Maurice Trintignant has ever secured a victory for Ferrari whereas sporting the quantity 44. Lewis Hamilton will hope to etch his identify in historical past as soon as once more by taking that quantity to new heights with Ferrari, setting the stage for what might be an exciting closing act in his Components 1 profession.
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