Lewis Hamilton is settling in properly at Ferrari, in response to La Gazzetta dello Sport, one in all Italy’s most revered sports activities newspapers.
Lewis Hamilton is settling in properly at Ferrari, in response to La Gazzetta dello Sport, one in all Italy’s most revered sports activities newspapers.
Regardless of preliminary studies of discomfort along with his pedal setup and a minor incident whereas testing an older Ferrari single-seater in Barcelona, changes have reportedly made the seven-time world champion “instantly really feel extra comfy.”
As Hamilton embarks on this new chapter, opinions stay divided on how he’ll carry out at Ferrari, particularly given his struggles at Mercedes for the reason that introduction of the ‘floor impact’ laws. Some speculate that the partnership is pushed extra by monetary incentives than pure racing ambitions.
“If Hamilton can develop into world champion with Ferrari, it might be the most important factor ever in System 1 from a advertising perspective,” F1 legend and former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger informed Auto Motor und Sport.
Nevertheless, Berger believes the Scuderia has what it takes to be a severe contender this 12 months. “I might put my cash on Ferrari this season,” the Austrian acknowledged. “I can not say whether or not will probably be Hamilton or Leclerc, or whether or not will probably be the drivers’ or constructors’ world championship, however they are going to win a title.
“That’s my private feeling. Ferrari was virtually at all times quick final 12 months, with just a few slip-ups,” Berger, 65, added. “I belief Fred Vasseur to eliminate the volatility too. It took some time, however I feel they’re very shut.”
Berger additionally dismissed criticism from figures reminiscent of Flavio Briatore and Mattia Binotto, who’ve questioned Ferrari’s determination to herald Hamilton on the expense of Carlos Sainz.
“It was a great determination by Ferrari to signal him,” he insists. “And I feel Hamilton wants the brand new motivation.
“He had been in the identical group for thus lengthy that solely a change of surroundings would assist. For Hamilton, coming fifth is just not a consequence that motivates him, however he’ll actually grit his tooth at Ferrari and will properly carry out at his greatest once more.
Then again, I feel he’ll battle towards Leclerc’s pace. It will likely be a really shut name.”
Berger additionally praised group principal Frederic Vasseur, believing his management is starting to bear fruit.
“It was at all times clear that it might take a 12 months or two for his work to repay,” he mentioned. “Now I’ve the sensation that it’s beginning to work.
“I additionally assume it’s nice that he signed Hamilton. Vasseur will deliver Ferrari again to the highest.”
