Lewis Hamilton’s ultimate chapter with the Mercedes F1 staff didn’t unfold as both the driving force or staff had envisioned after a legendary 12-year partnership.
Over the previous three seasons, Mercedes has struggled to constantly compete on the entrance, a far cry from their once-dominant type. Hamilton managed two victories in 2024—at Silverstone and Spa—however solely added three extra podium finishes to his tally all year long, marking certainly one of his least profitable campaigns.
Regardless of the challenges, Ferrari staff boss Fred Vasseur stays optimistic about Lewis Hamilton’s capabilities. Nevertheless, whispers of uncertainty appear to linger inside the seven-time Method 1 world champion himself, a uncommon occasion for a driver of his stature. Whereas the British driver has sometimes exhibited self-doubt, he has repeatedly silenced critics by proving why he’s thought to be certainly one of Method 1’s all-time greats.
Racing analyst and former driver Justin Bell provides recommendation to Lewis Hamilton
Justin Bell, talking on the *Drive to Wynn Podcast*, weighed in on Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming transition to Ferrari following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Bell urged Hamilton to shed any lingering self-doubt and give attention to confidence as he begins this new chapter.
The Abu Dhabi weekend was a microcosm of Lewis Hamilton’s tumultuous 2024 Method 1 marketing campaign. A pricey error within the qualifying session on the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island noticed him collide with a bollard, however the Brit bounced again with a outstanding drive to assert fourth place within the race—a testomony to his enduring expertise and willpower: “I need to rapidly speak about Mercedes, clearly, particularly Lewis Hamilton and his run to fourth place. It was such a robust end, wonderful drive from P16.” – defined the British race automotive driver, who after a profitable profession behind the wheel, transitioned into the media world – “I hope as we go into subsequent 12 months, we do away with a few of his typically, I believe self-defacing feedback like, ‘I’m not quick anymore. I haven’t received it.’ I believe he simply will get so robust on himself. Think about, you’re the most profitable Method 1 driver in historical past and also you’re qualifying sixteenth. I do know he had a bollard below the automotive and issues which he picked up.” – he added.
“However I believe for Lewis, positively on the finish of the race, you might see that emotion, that beautiful overtake on George Russell on the ultimate lap to take fourth place. It was on Instagram yesterday, somebody from the gang had a special angle and simply seeing the fluid velocity holding it in. I’ve stated all of it the best way alongside, I believe he’s going to enter Ferrari like an outdated canine with a brand new pet to play with. He will likely be able to go.” – Justin Bell identified.
Lewis Hamilton must make a robust begin with Ferrari to dispel any lingering doubts
Hamilton was unable to take part in Ferrari’s post-season testing in Abu Dhabi because of sponsorship obligations with Mercedes.
Having now bid farewell to his longtime staff, Hamilton is about to journey to Maranello in January to start preparations for the 2025 marketing campaign. Charles Leclerc is anticipated to be a formidable teammate for Hamilton, notably given issues over the Briton’s one-lap efficiency.
This season, Lewis Hamilton has been overshadowed in qualifying by George Russell, whereas Charles Leclerc is extensively thought to be Method 1’s quickest qualifier. Furthermore, the Monegasque driver is much extra accustomed to the nuances of racing for Ferrari, whereas Lewis Hamilton will face a interval of adjustment as he integrates into the staff.
Early situations are more likely to favor Charles Leclerc, which means the seven-time F1 world champion should have unwavering confidence in his capability to match or surpass his new Maranello teammate as he tackles this subsequent chapter of his Method 1 profession.
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