Lewis Hamilton fans should ‘feel delighted’ about Ferrari testing crash, claims…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s former F1 tea manager, Peter Windsor, has told fans to feel “delighted” about the high-speed crash the seven-time World Champion suffered during his pre-season testing with Ferrari. Despite the setback, Windsor believes the crash is actually a positive sign for Hamilton’s future with the team.
Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari this year has been one of the biggest talking points in the F1 world. The move saw the British driver replace Carlos Sainz in a lucrative deal reportedly worth over £40 million annually. However, the change has sparked debate, with some F1 figures, including Mattia Binotto, Flavio Briatore, and Eddie Jordan, expressing doubts about Hamilton’s decision to join the Scuderia.
Despite these concerns, Windsor insists that the crash during Hamilton’s first proper test with Ferrari in Barcelona earlier this year should not be seen negatively. In fact, he believes it’s a promising sign of Hamilton’s comfort with his new team. The incident, which took place at the final corner of the track, saw Hamilton crash the Ferrari SF-23, the team’s 2023 challenger. The crash caused significant damage to the car’s suspension and aerodynamic components, forcing teammate Charles Leclerc to miss the afternoon session.
While many may see the crash as a sign of trouble, Windsor pointed out that it was actually a testament to Hamilton’s confidence and aggressive driving. He clarified that the crash was not due to any mechanical failure or track conditions but was rather a result of Hamilton pushing the car to its limits. Windsor stated that this aggressive driving showed how well Hamilton was adapting to Ferrari’s car and how comfortable he felt within the team environment.
Windsor also highlighted that Hamilton enjoyed the test because he “loved the feeling of being part of the car again” after his years with Mercedes. He noted that Hamilton felt a renewed connection with the car, driving it with a sense of unity and confidence, which he hadn’t experienced in a while. This, Windsor believes, is a clear indicator of Hamilton’s readiness to succeed with Ferrari.
Though the crash may have been alarming to fans at first, Windsor reassured them that it was a positive outcome for Hamilton. “It was all tied to how good Lewis felt in the car and how he’s feeling within the team,” Windsor said. “He feels great in the team.” He encouraged Hamilton’s fans to take solace in the fact that the driver is already demonstrating his full potential and adapting quickly to his new environment.
Hamilton now has the opportunity for redemption, with a chance to drive Ferrari’s 2024 car in a Pirelli tire test. Fans will be hoping that this opportunity will allow him to showcase his skills further and reinforce Windsor’s optimistic outlook.
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s former seat at Mercedes has been filled by rising Italian star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has recently passed his driving test in Italy in preparation for his F1 debut. While Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the end of an era, his move to Ferrari signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career.
In the coming season, it will be fascinating to see how Hamilton performs with his new team, but for now, Windsor’s perspective offers reassurance. The crash during testing may have been a small setback, but it may also be the first step toward a promising future for Hamilton at Ferrari. Fans should take heart in knowing that Hamilton is feeling confident, connected to the car, and ready to fight for more titles with the Scuderia.
