New Delhi: Be it Maranello’s Fiorano circuit in January or London’s O2 Area final month, the loudest cheers have been reserved for Lewis Hamilton, particularly for turning up in crimson overalls.
Ferrari presents new driving pairing Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to the general public in Milan. (REUTERS)
However the massive query is whether or not Hamilton will be capable to ship at Ferrari, win the ‘Prancing Horse’ their first drivers’ title since 2007 and his eighth crown which can take him previous Michael Schumacher’s seven titles.
“It’s going to be a very interesting situation this year. The intention of FIA (international automobile federation) is to make F1 more competitive so that there is more overtaking so the fans can enjoy racing. What that means is that all cars and teams, in terms of lap times and competitiveness, could be closer constantly,” System 1 legend and two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen stated over a video name.
“So, to be able to win races and a championship, it is getting more and more challenging. There can be 4-5 drivers who will be very close. There won’t be any domination that one team is quicker than others. So, I think for Lewis, this makes it very difficult to achieve victory, but not impossible.”
Hamilton already holds nearly all important F1 data for drivers, be it probably the most wins (105), poles (104) or podiums (202). He’s joint first with Ferrari legend Schumacher relating to probably the most championships (7). An eighth crown will make him the undisputed biggest driver in historical past statistically.
However the situation has modified quite a bit since Hamilton’s heydays. Although the seven-time world champion feels “invigorated” at becoming a member of Ferrari, it isn’t precisely going to be a stroll within the park. The Briton is not a teen hungry for fulfillment with questions being requested over his one-lap tempo in qualifying.
However the one factor going for Hamilton can be Ferrari’s tempo, manifested within the three-day pre-season check in Bahrain with the 40-year-old rising the quickest driver on Day 2. As well as, the Italian workforce completed on a powerful observe final 12 months, ending second within the constructors’ championship, simply 14 factors behind McLaren.
“He’s been with McLaren. He’s been with Mercedes. Now with Ferrari. We’re all developing constantly every day and Lewis is doing the same thing in terms of growing his knowledge about what’s happening in his surroundings. I’m confident that Lewis can bring a lot of good things for the fans and for the motor racing and can continue what he’s doing now,” stated Hakkinen, a Laureus Academy member.
Recognized for his battles towards Schumacher, who he describes as a “mega tough driver to beat” within the late Nineties and early 2000s, Hakkinen is eagerly awaiting the 2025 season which can roar off with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16.
Final 12 months, regardless of not having the quickest automobile underneath him, Max Verstappen clinched his fourth world title within the Purple Bull, beating McLaren’s Lando Norris, whose nerves let him down in some races, letting the title slip away. However Hakkinen believes that Norris can finish Verstappen’s four-year title profitable run with McLaren rising the automobile to beat within the pre-season check.
“Absolutely, yes (he’s ready to be world champion). Why? Because I experienced many years of racing without success. But it was part of my development to become a good racing driver. You have to maintain your criticism about yourself. That way you keep developing and pushing. That means you are taking risks,” stated Hakkinen.
“Lando experienced all these elements in his career. He’s been taking risks. He’s been critical of himself. He’s been pushing flat out. When you’re not world champion, when you’re working towards that goal, it requires a lot of mistakes and stress. I believe Lando is ready. He’s flat out ready to achieve his goal.”