Lewis Hamilton’s last chapter with the Mercedes F1 group didn’t unfold as both the motive force or group 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 one in every of his least profitable campaigns.
Regardless of the challenges, Ferrari group boss Fred Vasseur stays optimistic about Lewis Hamilton’s capabilities. Nevertheless, whispers of uncertainty appear to linger throughout the seven-time Method 1 world champion himself, a uncommon occasion for a driver of his stature. Whereas the British driver has often exhibited self-doubt, he has repeatedly silenced critics by proving why he’s considered one in every of Method 1’s all-time greats.
Racing analyst and former driver Justin Bell affords 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 concentrate on 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 expensive 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 exceptional drive to assert fourth place within the race—a testomony to his enduring expertise and willpower: “I wish to shortly discuss Mercedes, clearly, particularly Lewis Hamilton and his run to fourth place. It was such a powerful end, superb drive from P16.” – defined the British race automobile 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 obtained 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 underneath the automobile and issues which he picked up.” – he added.
“However I believe for Lewis, positively on the finish of the race, you may 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 group had a distinct 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 previous canine with a brand new pet to play with. He might be able to go.” – Justin Bell identified.
Lewis Hamilton must make a powerful begin with Ferrari to dispel any lingering doubts
Hamilton was unable to take part in Ferrari’s post-season testing in Abu Dhabi as a result of sponsorship obligations with Mercedes.
Having now bid farewell to his longtime group, 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 considered 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 group.
Early circumstances are prone to favor Charles Leclerc, which means the seven-time F1 world champion will need to have unwavering confidence in his means to match or surpass his new Maranello teammate as he tackles this subsequent chapter of his Method 1 profession.
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