Hamilton surprised the world of motorsport earlier this year when he announced he would be joining Scuderia Ferrari from the 2025 season. The 39-year-old driver has achieved remarkable success with his current team, Mercedes, winning six out of seven driver championships during his 12 years with the Brackley-based team. While this news came as a surprise to many, Hamilton has always considered driving for the Italian team as a lifelong dream. His ultimate goal is to win an eighth world title and surpass Michael Schumacher as the most successful and decorated Formula 1 driver in history.
However, it seems unlikely that Hamilton will win his eighth driver’s crown with Mercedes. Since the implementation of the ground effect regulations in 2022, the Silver Arrows have fallen in the standings, allowing Red Bull to dominate the field. Will Hamilton be able to reverse his recent struggles and find success with Ferrari? Former Formula 1 driver Mark Blundell certainly hopes so.
In an interview with AceOdds, Blundell expressed his excitement to see another British driver at Scuderia Ferrari. He stated, “It’s a big step forward for Formula 1 in many ways. Having a Brit back at Ferrari is fantastic for British motorsport. This move can be seen as one of the most significant marketing deals in the pit lane, even before they have raced together. The potential impact of potentially increasing Ferrari’s stock price by 6 or 7 billion is truly impressive.”
When asked about Hamilton’s chances of winning with the iconic red of Ferrari, Blundell believes that another championship victory is unlikely, but he is still eager to see the veteran’s performance. He commented: “The question is whether he can stand out driving a red car, which is every boy’s childhood dream and every Formula 1 driver’s aspiration. I believe that winning Grand Prix races and clinching a world championship in a Ferrari will be an extremely challenging task. It won’t be easy, and I hope Hamilton still has the motivation and determination to pursue this goal. That is the most crucial aspect for me.”
Expectations for both Hamilton and Ferrari will be sky-high, but Blundell advises fans to temper their hopes to avoid potential disappointments. The 57-year-old veteran emphasized: “Everyone has a Ferrari flag, and the same can be said when you mention the name Lewis Hamilton these days. It will undoubtedly be a formidable combination, but expectations will exceed what everyone anticipates.”
Hamilton is embarking on a change reminiscent of Schumacher, who took a risk by switching from Benetton to Ferrari after winning two consecutive titles with the first team. Schumacher implemented several significant changes upon joining Ferrari, relying on Rory Byrne and Ross Brawn as key figures and reducing the prevalence of nepotism within the Italian team.
Blundell believes that Hamilton can have a similar impact when he joins Ferrari in 2025. When asked about the disparities between Italian and British automotive cultures, he stated: “I believe it is mainly a matter of intensified passion, if I may use that term. I am not suggesting that the British lack passion; they certainly have it. However, I believe there is a greater sense of control.”
“I say this because we are highly organized, driven by engineering principles, and strive to remain composed with the famous ‘stiff upper lip.’ On the other hand, Italians tend to be more explosive, and things can get heated.”
Blundell added: “This is sometimes evident in Ferrari’s pit lane, especially when things become excessive and they struggle to maintain control and handle the situation.”
Regarding Hamilton’s potential influence in Maranello, Blundell added: “I hope Lewis can bring a sense of calm and his unique perspective to the team. He can say, ‘Guys, I have the experience, I know how to win a world championship; I have won many of them. Let’s work together and build on our past successes’.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton will fulfill the remainder of his contract with Mercedes. The next race will take place at Albert Park Circuit in Australia and is scheduled to start on March 24 at 04:00 GMT (15:00 local time).
© 2024
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