Ferrari ‘not scared’ of Hamilton’s Mercedes ‘difficulties’ bleeding…read more
Ferrari’s chassis technical director, Loïc Serra, has expressed confidence that Lewis Hamilton’s recent challenges with Mercedes’ ground-effect cars will not hinder his performance with Ferrari in the upcoming Formula 1 season. Despite Hamilton securing only two race victories over the past three years, Serra remains optimistic about the Briton’s potential to excel with the Scuderia.
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari during the winter marked the end of a 12-year tenure with Mercedes. His final seasons with the Silver Arrows were fraught with difficulties, particularly with the introduction of ground-effect aerodynamic regulations. The 2022 W13 model drew unfavorable comparisons from Hamilton, who likened it to the underperforming McLaren MP4-24. The subsequent W14 was dubbed the “evil sister” of its predecessor, and the 2024 W15, initially promising, was ultimately described by Hamilton as the “worst I’ve ever driven.”
These struggles culminated in Hamilton being outperformed by his teammate, George Russell, in both qualifying sessions and races during his final season with Mercedes. Despite these setbacks, Ferrari’s leadership is confident that Hamilton’s expertise and determination will be invaluable assets as he embarks on this new chapter with the team.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been met with enthusiasm from both the team and its fanbase. The seven-time World Champion has expressed a renewed sense of purpose and excitement, describing the opportunity to drive for Ferrari as a “childhood dream.” He has praised the team’s passion and the unique atmosphere at Maranello, noting that the environment has reignited his motivation to compete at the highest level.
The partnership between Hamilton and Ferrari is seen as a strategic move to end the team’s championship drought, which dates back to 2008 for the constructors’ title and 2007 for the drivers’ title. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur has highlighted Hamilton’s positive impact on the team, emphasizing his experience and leadership qualities. Hamilton’s collaboration with teammate Charles Leclerc is also anticipated to be a formidable pairing, with both drivers eager to push the team toward success.
Pre-season testing has provided encouraging signs for Ferrari. Hamilton’s initial runs in the new SF-25 car at the Fiorano Circuit have been promising, with the driver expressing confidence in the car’s performance and handling. The team’s technical department has worked diligently to address the issues that plagued previous seasons, focusing on optimizing the car’s aerodynamics and reliability.
The upcoming season is poised to be highly competitive, with Ferrari aiming to challenge dominant teams like McLaren and Red Bull. Hamilton acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains optimistic about Ferrari’s prospects. He has emphasized the importance of teamwork and continuous development, stating that the collective effort of the team will be crucial in achieving their championship aspirations.
As the season opener approaches, anticipation is building among fans and analysts alike. Hamilton’s integration into Ferrari represents a significant storyline, with many eager to see how his experience and skill will influence the team’s performance. The collaboration between Hamilton and Leclerc is expected to bring a dynamic and competitive edge to Ferrari’s campaign, potentially positioning them as strong contenders for both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles.
In summary, Ferrari’s confidence in Hamilton’s abilities, despite his recent challenges with Mercedes, underscores the team’s commitment to returning to championship-winning form. The combination of Hamilton’s experience, the technical advancements in the SF-25, and the unified efforts of the team create a promising outlook for the forthcoming season.
