Lewis Hamilton is totally conscious that comparisons to Michael Schumacher might be unavoidable when he joins Ferrari in 2025. As two of probably the most profitable drivers in System 1 historical past, their legacies are sometimes measured facet by facet. Hamilton has made the choice to maneuver to the Scuderia as a result of he believes it presents him the most effective alternative to safe a record-breaking eighth world championship, permitting him to surpass Michael Schumacher earlier than he retires. The 39-year-old has already surpassed the German when it comes to race wins (105 to 91) and pole positions (104 to 68), however many will solely think about him the undisputed best of all time if he clinches one other title.
Schumacher, in fact, received 5 of his seven championships with Ferrari, however his profession trajectory with the group was totally different from Hamilton’s. When the German driver joined Ferrari in 1996, he was 27 years previous, nonetheless within the prime of his profession. Lewis Hamilton, however, might be 39 when he begins his new chapter with the group, making his window of alternative to attain his final aim comparatively slim. Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari’s group principal, has supplied the British driver a two-year contract with an possibility for a 3rd season, however this will likely very effectively be the one deal Lewis Hamilton indicators throughout his tenure at Maranello.
Whereas Ferrari has come near successful the Constructors’ Championship in recent times, Lewis Hamilton is optimistic that the group will discover the suitable method to capitalize on the upcoming 2026 System 1 regulation adjustments, that are anticipated to be pivotal in shaping the way forward for System 1.
As a part of his transfer to Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton is planning to relocate to Italy. Experiences earlier this 12 months urged that he would keep in Enzo Ferrari’s former residence close to the Fiorano take a look at monitor, a privilege beforehand loved by Michael Schumacher. Nonetheless, it’s extra seemingly that Lewis Hamilton will use Enzo Ferrari’s home as a base when he’s on-site at Maranello. Moreover, Lewis Hamilton is predicted to accumulate a property in Italy, seemingly in Milan, which is located round 120 miles from Ferrari’s headquarters. It stays unclear whether or not the seven-time System 1 world champion will promote his Monaco residence, the place many F1 drivers dwell, however the transfer to Italy marks an vital step in his immersion with Ferrari.
Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton’s teammate, has been deeply embedded within the Ferrari group since 2016 and made his debut in 2019. Charles Leclerc’s familiarity with the group will seemingly current a problem to the British driver as he adjusts to his new surroundings. As a part of his transition, Lewis Hamilton has already begun studying Italian, which can assist him talk extra successfully along with his mechanics and in addition forge a stronger reference to Ferrari’s passionate fanbase, the Tifosi. Rwandan and Belgian racing driver and tv presenter Naomi Schiff has urged that Charles Leclerc’s fluency in Italian might make Lewis Hamilton really feel “paranoid” throughout group conferences, a problem Lewis Hamilton is ready to embrace.
Throughout his time at Ferrari, Michael Schumacher lived in Vufflens-le-Château, a municipality close to the Swiss metropolis of Geneva, the place he stayed along with his household. His determination to stay in Switzerland was influenced by private components, together with the start of his kids. Equally, Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Italy displays each skilled and private issues as he prepares for the subsequent part of his illustrious profession.