Seven-time Components 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has formally begun his new chapter at Ferrari, one of the vital iconic strikes in Components 1 historical past, and the strain is on for him to make it a triumphant one.
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari was confirmed in February final yr, ending a legendary 12-year tenure at Mercedes. Practically a yr later, the seven-time world champion has lastly donned the well-known purple go well with, making his extremely anticipated debut with the workforce throughout a check session at Fiorano on Wednesday. The historic second drew over 1,000 Tifosi to the observe, desperate to witness the start of a brand new period.
The importance of Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari can’t be overstated. It’s being hailed as one of many greatest transfers in Components 1 historical past, additional evidenced by the overwhelming response to his first picture in Ferrari colours. The picture turned the most-liked F1-related image of all time, surpassing Charles Leclerc’s viral put up following his victory at Monza final season.
Along with his arrival at Maranello, Lewis Hamilton joins an elite record of world champions who’ve raced for Ferrari, together with Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel. Nonetheless, after enduring probably the most difficult season of his profession in 2024, questions stay about whether or not he can ship the outcomes Ferrari and its passionate fanbase count on. To succeed, Hamilton should keep away from repeating the expensive errors of those that got here earlier than him.
Why Lewis Hamilton Should Keep away from Gerhard Berger’s ‘Massive Mistake’ at Ferrari
Racing for the Maranello workforce means extra than simply competing for a workforce—it means representing a whole nation. Drivers who embrace Italian tradition and join with the Tifosi typically obtain a particular standing at Ferrari, turning into extra than simply athletes—they develop into icons.
One key solution to earn this adoration is by studying the Italian language. Legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and most just lately Charles Leclerc all took the time to study Italian, which helped them construct stronger bonds with the workforce and its devoted followers. Gerhard Berger, nevertheless, selected to not study the language throughout his stint at Ferrari, a call he later deeply regretted.
Talking on the *Past The Grid* podcast, Gerhard Berger mirrored on his missed alternative, admitting that speaking instantly with the workforce in Italian would have been a “great point” and will have strengthened his reference to Ferrari. For the British driver, avoiding this similar oversight will probably be essential. Mastering the language is not going to solely assist him combine into the workforce but additionally solidify his place within the hearts of the Tifosi.
As Lewis Hamilton begins his journey with Ferrari, embracing the tradition and studying from previous missteps may make all of the distinction between a memorable stint and an unforgettable legacy.
Gerhard Berger expressed deep remorse over not taking the time to study Italian throughout his profession. He acknowledged that it will have been immensely priceless to speak instantly with the workforce, describing it as a missed alternative. Regardless of residing near the Italian border in Austria and feeling a robust cultural connection to Italy, he admitted he selected to not research the language, which he now considers a major mistake.
Berger famous that Austrians share many cultural similarities with Italians, from spending holidays there to appreciating their life-style. He felt a pure match inside the Italian atmosphere and believed that mutual respect and admiration existed between him and the Tifosi.
He went on to emphasise how a lot he liked the Italian tradition, from their delicacies and trend to their means of constructing automobiles, including that he all the time felt a robust bond with it. Reflecting on his profession, Berger acknowledged that the Ferrari workforce by no means let him down, standing by him via each good and difficult instances.
Lewis Hamilton is Losing No Time in Avoiding Gerhard Berger’s Misstep
In simply his first week as a Ferrari driver, Lewis Hamilton has already begun laying the groundwork to construct a robust connection along with his new workforce and keep away from the cultural disconnect that Gerhard Berger admitted to throughout his personal time at Ferrari.
Hamilton’s race engineer at Ferrari will probably be Riccardo Adami, who beforehand labored with Sebastian Vettel from 2015 to 2020. To arrange for this new partnership, Hamilton has already sought perception from Vettel about Adami, aiming to determine the form of rapport he loved with Peter Bonnington throughout his profitable years at Mercedes. Constructing an in depth and efficient relationship along with his race engineer is a key precedence for Hamilton as he adapts to his new atmosphere.
Past the technical aspect, Hamilton can also be making a concerted effort to immerse himself in Ferrari’s distinctive tradition. He has already begun speaking along with his new colleagues in Italian—a ability he has evidently labored on. Throughout the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton greeted the Ferrari mechanics of their native language, marking the beginning of his cultural integration even earlier than formally becoming a member of the workforce.
This effort prolonged additional throughout his debut check within the SF-23 at Fiorano, the place the British driver was heard talking Italian with manufacturing unit staff, mechanics, and even the followers who got here to witness the historic second. His willingness to embrace the workforce’s language and traditions has already made a constructive impression on each the Ferrari workforce and the Tifosi.
Because the 2025 Components 1 season approaches, expectations are sky-high for Hamilton’s tenure with F1’s most iconic workforce. Ferrari’s passionate fanbase is demanding nothing lower than a world championship from the seven-time champion. If Hamilton can proceed adapting shortly to his new environment and fostering robust relationships inside the workforce, he will probably be well-positioned to chase his eighth title and ship Ferrari’s long-awaited return to glory.
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
