Lewis Hamilton warned of Ferrari challenge he cannot ‘underestimate…read more
Lewis Hamilton has been warned by a key ally of Max Verstappen not to underestimate the challenge of adapting to Ferrari, following his recent switch from Mercedes. Hamilton, who completed his first test in a Ferrari F1 car at the Fiorano test track, logged about 30 laps on Wednesday. His move to Ferrari marks just the second team change of his distinguished career. His only previous switch occurred in 2013, when he left McLaren to join Mercedes, a decision that ultimately led to him becoming one of the greatest drivers in F1 history.
Hamilton’s success with Mercedes over the past 12 years is undeniable, with seven World Championships under his belt. He equaled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven titles in 2020 and then surpassed 100 race wins and pole positions the following year, making history as the first driver to achieve these milestones. Despite his extensive success, Hamilton remains driven to capture an eighth World Championship, a feat he has not yet accomplished, especially after the controversial loss to Max Verstappen in the 2021 season, where the Dutchman clinched his first World Championship in a dramatic, contested finale.
However, Giedo van der Garde, a former F1 driver and close ally of Verstappen, has cautioned Hamilton about the challenges he faces in switching to Ferrari. Van der Garde, who briefly raced for the now-defunct Caterham team in 2013, has spent significant time with Verstappen and is familiar with the Dutchman’s rise through the racing ranks. He warned that Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari could be more difficult than anticipated, mainly due to the cultural and operational differences between Mercedes and the Scuderia.
Van der Garde pointed out that Ferrari’s “passionate Italian approach” is very different from the way Mercedes operates. He also mentioned that Hamilton will need to get used to a new engineer and the team’s mentality, which could take time to adjust to. Hamilton, who turned 40 earlier this month, will now need to find a way to merge his experience and successes with the distinct working style and atmosphere at Ferrari.
The advice from Van der Garde highlights the crucial challenge Hamilton will face in transitioning to a new team after more than a decade at Mercedes. While Hamilton is undeniably one of the best drivers in the history of F1, his ability to integrate into Ferrari’s system and build the necessary chemistry with his new team could determine whether he can extend his legacy and pursue that elusive eighth title. The 2025 season promises to be a new chapter in Hamilton’s career, filled with potential but also significant hurdles.
