David Coulthard admits Lewis Hamilton has been doing something really ‘worrying’ ahead of….read more
Lewis Hamilton is preparing to embark on a new chapter of his Formula 1 career, which could mark the final stages of his illustrious time in the sport. The seven-time World Champion is set to leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season and join Ferrari for the 2025 campaign, a move that has garnered significant attention and sparked mixed reactions. While many are excited about this shift, David Coulthard has raised concerns over some of Hamilton’s recent actions, labeling them as “worrying.”
Hamilton’s Transition to Ferrari: A New Beginning
Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari comes as no surprise to those who have followed his career. The British driver, who has spent the past 12 years with Mercedes, had always expressed interest in racing for Ferrari, one of the sport’s most prestigious teams. Despite being synonymous with Mercedes’ success in recent years, Hamilton has announced that 2024 will be his final season with the Silver Arrows. This marks the beginning of his next big challenge as he prepares to join the Scuderia in 2025.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur wasted no time in securing Hamilton’s signature after hearing of his desire to race for the Italian team. The announcement came more than a year in advance, signaling both parties’ eagerness for the partnership to begin. With Ferrari enduring a challenging period in F1, Hamilton’s arrival has generated a mixture of excitement and high expectations. The legendary team has not won a World Championship in over 15 years, and many hope Hamilton’s experience and talent will help return Ferrari to the top.
A New Attitude: Hamilton Reinvigorated
Despite the challenges that come with a team switch, Hamilton appears reinvigorated and ready to embrace his new role with Ferrari. Heading into the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton’s mood is noticeably more positive compared to previous seasons. His attitude has become a focal point of discussion, with former F1 driver and commentator Martin Brundle noting that he has never seen Hamilton look as happy as he does now. The change in his demeanor has been welcomed by fans and pundits alike, with many hoping that this newfound positivity will translate into strong performances throughout the 2024 season.
Hamilton’s excitement about joining Ferrari is evident, as the move represents a long-held dream of his. As he prepares for what could be the final chapter of his F1 career, the 2024 season may prove crucial in setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling finale. However, there is still much uncertainty about how he will perform with Ferrari, especially considering the team’s struggles in recent years.
David Coulthard’s Concerns: A Worrying Trend?
Despite Hamilton’s newfound enthusiasm, not everyone is convinced that the move to Ferrari will be smooth sailing. David Coulthard, who raced against Hamilton towards the end of his own F1 career, has voiced concerns over some of the actions Hamilton has taken in recent months. While Coulthard did not go into specifics, he described certain behaviors as “worrying.”
As a seasoned veteran who has observed Hamilton’s rise to F1’s most successful driver, Coulthard’s concerns suggest that there may be underlying issues surrounding Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. The pressures of adjusting to a new team, coupled with the expectations of both himself and the Scuderia, could create added stress. Additionally, Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes, where he has enjoyed so much success, could leave him facing a steep learning curve as he adapts to Ferrari’s unique environment.
The 2024 Season: A Difficult Farewell for Hamilton?
Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes has not been without its struggles. In 2023, he recorded his lowest-ever finish in the drivers’ championship standings, finishing behind all the top drivers except for Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, who ultimately lost his seat. It was a far cry from the dominance Hamilton had enjoyed in previous seasons, and many expected more from the seven-time World Champion. However, despite these setbacks, Hamilton’s desire to end his time with Mercedes on a high note remains strong. Whether he can achieve that goal will depend on his ability to navigate the remaining races of the 2024 season and potentially secure some standout performances.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Hamilton and Ferrari?
As Hamilton looks forward to joining Ferrari in 2025, his final season with Mercedes will undoubtedly be full of challenges. Whether he can overcome the hurdles of adapting to a new team and the pressure of meeting Ferrari’s lofty expectations remains to be seen. However, with his undeniable talent and determination, Hamilton’s future in F1 looks set to be just as captivating as his past, regardless of what happens in his final season with Mercedes. The combination of his experience and Ferrari’s ambitions could potentially lead to a resurgence for the Italian team, which has been seeking to return to its former glory for years.
Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear: Hamilton’s legacy in F1 is already cemented. Whether his final chapter with Ferrari will be a triumphant one or a bittersweet conclusion to his incredible career is yet to be written.