Ferrari emphasized the significant commercial benefits of securing Lewis Hamilton. However, since joining Ferrari from Mercedes, Hamilton’s performance in Formula 1 has been disappointing. Aside from his sprint race win in China, he has faced numerous challenges, and his struggles seem to be worsening. After a particularly tough race at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton’s intense self-criticism even led him to consider early retirement.
Bernie Ecclestone advised Hamilton to stop doubting himself while speculating on how Martin Brundle will handle the next two difficult years. On the other hand, former F1 driver and 24-hour Le Mans winner Emmanuele Pirro highlighted a positive aspect for Ferrari. He noted, “It’s tough to find anyone faster than Charles Leclerc,” but added that Hamilton’s influence might go beyond just performance. Pirro mentioned Hamilton’s behind-the-scenes impact and calming presence, which are crucial, alongside the commercial advantages.
At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc outpaced Hamilton decisively, securing pole position while Hamilton could only manage fourth. Hamilton acknowledged that the issues were not solely his fault but also related to the SF-25 car. Pirro commented that the best version of Hamilton is yet to be seen. Despite the natural decline that comes with age, as proven by veterans like Fernando Alonso, Hamilton still has the potential to be competitive.
Pirro also remarked on the psychological and technical comfort necessary for success, which Hamilton hasn’t fully found with Ferrari yet. He described Hamilton as more sensitive than perceived, with his performance in Hungary reflecting that. Pirro drew parallels between his motivation for Le Mans wins and Hamilton’s fight for victories, emphasizing that determination is influenced by multiple factors.
Though Hamilton boasts seven world championships, his quest for an eighth continues without significant progress as of now.
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Fan Take: This update highlights the complex challenges experienced even by legendary drivers like Hamilton when transitioning to a new team. For racing fans, it underscores the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where talent alone isn’t always enough, and the dynamics within teams play a crucial role in shaping the sport’s future.
