Hamilton’s ‘different’ Ferrari pressure as footage of first Schumacher test for the…read more
As Lewis Hamilton embarks on his new journey with Ferrari, comparisons to the legendary Michael Schumacher have been inevitable. The 40-year-old Briton, who joined Ferrari after spending over a decade with Mercedes, has now experienced his first weeks as a Ferrari driver, and every move is under intense scrutiny. With this new chapter, Hamilton is determined to break his World Championship tie with Schumacher, seeking his eighth title, which would place him ahead of the German driver in the history books.
The arrival of Hamilton at Ferrari has sparked comparisons with Schumacher’s own entrance to the iconic team. Nearly 30 years ago, Schumacher joined Ferrari for the 1996 season, following his second World Championship with Benetton. The German’s first official test with Ferrari took place at the Fiorano circuit in 1995, where he drove the Ferrari 412T2. Despite the misty conditions, a few hundred Tifosi (Ferrari fans) gathered to witness the historic moment.
At the time, Schumacher had just finished a successful run with Benetton, and he was greeted by a sense of expectation and excitement, especially since Ferrari had not won a title for 16 years. “I know Ferrari has been waiting for 16 years,” Schumacher remarked during that time. “I believe we have a very good opportunity to fulfill the dream for Ferrari.” His goal was to bring Ferrari back to the top, which he achieved after a five-year wait, winning his first World Championship with the team in 2000. Schumacher would then go on to dominate, securing five consecutive World titles.
Fast forward to today, and Hamilton faces a different type of pressure. Unlike Schumacher, who arrived at Ferrari as a two-time World Champion, Hamilton comes to Maranello without a recent World Championship title. Despite that, Ferrari is still expecting great things from the Briton, who joins the team after securing seven World Championships, tied with Schumacher. Hamilton’s goal is now to end Ferrari’s drought, which dates back to 2007, and bring the team its first title in nearly two decades.
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has been marked by intense media attention. He recently put in his first laps in a Ferrari F1 car, driving the SF-23 at the Fiorano circuit. Thousands of Tifosi gathered to witness the moment, and Hamilton’s lap times, although not breaking Schumacher’s record, were closely analyzed. Reports noted that Hamilton’s fastest lap time came in at one second slower than Schumacher’s iconic F2004 record of 55.999. These comparisons have led some to draw parallels between the two drivers’ first experiences at Ferrari.
However, according to Ferrari Vice President Piero Ferrari, there is a distinct difference between Schumacher’s arrival and Hamilton’s. Piero Ferrari, the son of Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari, explained that the situations were different, highlighting that Schumacher was arriving with two World Championships already under his belt. “There was a lot of pressure on him,” Ferrari said. “Michael may have appeared cold to the general public, but he was very friendly with those who knew him closely.” Despite the pressures, Schumacher formed close relationships with those around him during his time at Ferrari.
For Hamilton, the pressure is different but still immense. Ferrari Vice President acknowledged the seven World titles Hamilton brings with him, which means he has the experience and professionalism to succeed. “Lewis brings enormous experience to Ferrari. He is a professional at the highest level, and he knows how to win races,” Ferrari commented. While Hamilton may not have the same immediate expectations as Schumacher did, Ferrari still believes that the Briton is the right person to help the team break their current championship drought.
As Hamilton steps into the role of leading Ferrari to new victories, the pressure is palpable. However, Piero Ferrari’s remarks underscore the unique nature of Hamilton’s arrival, as he faces the challenge of continuing Ferrari’s legacy while carving out his own chapter in the team’s storied history. The road ahead is filled with high expectations, but Hamilton’s experience, coupled with Ferrari’s ambition, could pave the way for future success.
