As Lewis Hamilton switches gears in his F1 career, moving from Mercedes to Ferrari, he is met with the formidable task of breaking Michael Schumacher’s record for the most World titles. Christijan Albers, former F1 driver, sees a striking parallel between Hamilton’s upcoming journey and Schumacher’s historic run, suggesting the Briton possesses the same “intangibility” that set the German champion apart.
The 40-year-old Hamilton, who amassed six Driver’s titles during his initial nine-year tenure with Mercedes, found his winning streak slow down in the last three seasons. His performance was marred by just two race wins and one pole position. This dip in performance ignited questions about his motivation and speed – questions that Hamilton himself pondered aloud during the penultimate race in Qatar last year, confessing he was “definitely not fast anymore.”
However, Hamilton appears to have found a new lease of life with his latest challenge. His objective is clear-cut: to secure a championship for Ferrari, a feat the team hasn’t achieved since Kimi Raikkonen’s victory in 2007. Rather than fixating on his personal tally, Hamilton is focused on helping the team clinch their first title in over a decade.
The pursuit mirrors Schumacher’s mission when he joined Ferrari in 1996, aiming to end the team’s nearly two-decade-long title drought. Albers draws parallels between the two drivers, comparing Hamilton’s approach to Schumacher’s, suggesting that the Briton’s elusive demeanor could enhance his appeal, much like it did for Schumacher.
Hamilton’s upcoming season with Ferrari looks promising yet challenging, as he chases the elusive eighth World title. The pressure is on, with expectations high for the seven-time World Champion to lead the team, outperform Leclerc, and drive the team’s forward momentum. Despite the daunting task ahead, Albers commends Hamilton’s audacity, lauding his willingness to take risks and his dedication to improving his team.
Hamilton’s ‘intangibility’ was a topic of discussion during pre-season testing, as he was noted to maintain a distance from photographers in the paddock, often covering his face or arriving early to avoid the spotlight. When asked about his elusive behavior, Hamilton responded, saying, “I think people who are constantly in the spotlight are always being photographed, but I want to stay private. I don’t always want cameras pointed at me.”
While Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari and his quest for an eighth World title will undoubtedly be a challenging endeavor, his determination and courage are undeniable. As he embarks on this new journey, racing fans will be eagerly watching, anticipating whether he can replicate Schumacher’s success and lead Ferrari to a long-awaited championship victory.