Hamilton makes staggering claim over Ferrari…read more
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One World Champion, has recently made a bold assertion regarding Ferrari’s current driver line-up. Having joined the Italian team this year after a 12-season tenure with Mercedes, where he clinched six of his seven titles, Hamilton now partners with Charles Leclerc. He believes that their pairing represents the strongest in the sport’s 75-year history.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been one of the most talked-about transitions in recent F1 history. The British driver expressed that driving for Ferrari has always been a dream, stating, “I have always imagined what it would be like sitting in the cockpit, surrounded by red.” He further added, “I have always seen the drivers that have come before me in red and wondered how that would look on me.” This sentiment underscores the allure and prestige associated with the Ferrari brand in motorsport.
Charles Leclerc, entering his seventh season with Ferrari, has showcased immense talent and determination. With eight Grand Prix victories under his belt, Leclerc’s ambition remains steadfast. He remarked, “The main priority is to bring Ferrari back to the top. Ferrari has always been my one and only dream—the next one is to be a world champion in red.” This shared vision between Hamilton and Leclerc aims to end Ferrari’s championship drought, with their last Constructors’ title in 2008 and Drivers’ Championship in 2007.
The synergy between Hamilton and Leclerc was recently on display during a fan event in Milan. Both drivers delighted the “tifosi” by driving through the city’s iconic Piazza Castello. Hamilton piloted an SF21 car, while Leclerc drove an SF90, with approximately 35,000 fans in attendance. The event, organized by Ferrari’s sponsor Unicredit, featured tire burnouts and dynamic driving displays, emphasizing the team’s commitment to engaging with their passionate supporters. Hamilton expressed his admiration for the fans, noting his goal to communicate with them in Italian. Leclerc echoed this sentiment, highlighting the positive energy derived from the fervent support.
As the season opener approaches, Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, has expressed optimism about the upcoming season. He anticipates an incredible season, emphasizing the team’s commitment to development and preparation. Vasseur believes that the internal competition between Hamilton and Leclerc will elevate the team’s performance, stating that Ferrari aims to win races with both drivers.
However, the journey to reclaiming the championship will not be without challenges. Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has placed his bets on Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinching his fifth consecutive title this season. Ecclestone acknowledges the competitiveness of the current grid but believes that if Verstappen has the right equipment, he will be tough to beat. He also noted that McLaren’s Lando Norris could pose a significant challenge, especially given Red Bull’s lower testing mileage. Ecclestone further commented that Leclerc might have a better chance of winning compared to his new teammate, Hamilton.
Adding to the pre-season drama, Ferrari is currently under investigation by the FIA following complaints from Red Bull regarding the flexibility of their car’s rear wings. Red Bull’s technical director, Pierre Wache, raised concerns that both Ferrari and McLaren might be using flexible rear wing designs to gain a performance advantage. The FIA has announced that they will closely monitor rear wing flexibility with cameras during the Australian Grand Prix. Ferrari has dismissed these accusations, but the outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the constructors’ and drivers’ standings this season.
Despite these challenges, Hamilton remains focused on his debut race for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16. Reflecting on his transition, he shared an anecdote about losing a lucky charm—a conker—during a race, emphasizing that he doesn’t rely on rituals but maintains certain habits for comfort. This lighthearted revelation showcases Hamilton’s adaptability and mental preparedness as he embarks on this new chapter with Ferrari.
The upcoming season holds significant promise for Ferrari. With a blend of Hamilton’s experience and Leclerc’s youthful vigor, the team aims to break their championship drought and reestablish themselves as a dominant force in Formula One. The dynamic between the two drivers will be pivotal, as their collaboration and internal competition could drive Ferrari to new heights. As the lights go out at the Australian Grand Prix, all eyes will be on the scarlet cars, eager to see if this formidable pairing can translate their combined prowess into championship glory.
