Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, is facing a tough challenge adapting to Ferrari’s Formula 1 package after his move from Mercedes, according to insights from his former teammate Valtteri Bottas. Despite Hamilton’s struggles with no race wins or podium finishes yet, Bottas believes that mastering the Ferrari SF-25 is “not rocket science.”
Bottas, who switched to Alfa Romeo with Ferrari backing this season, pointed out the differences between the Mercedes and Ferrari powertrains, emphasizing the varying power delivery and strategies employed by the two teams. He highlighted the nuances in driveability, power deployment, and braking systems, noting that while there are differences, it’s not an insurmountable challenge for a skilled driver like Hamilton.
The Finnish driver acknowledged that Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, might have an advantage initially due to his familiarity with the car, but stressed the importance of adaptability in Formula 1. Bottas reassured that continuous learning and adaptation are fundamental in a sport that is constantly evolving, with new regulations and car designs introduced regularly.
Moreover, Bottas downplayed the significance of the brake differences between Mercedes and Ferrari, mentioning that despite the varying brands used, the overall behavior remains relatively similar for the driver. He highlighted the minor differences in brake warm-up times but indicated that it did not pose a significant challenge during his transition between the two teams.
As Hamilton navigates the complexities of the Ferrari F1 package and strives to find his winning form, the insights from Bottas provide a glimpse into the challenges and adjustments required when switching teams in Formula 1. With the season progressing, all eyes will be on Hamilton as he aims to conquer the learning curve and make his mark in his new racing environment.
