Ferrari’s passionate fanbase, the Tifosi, has already begun drawing comparisons between Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, reflecting the thrill surrounding the British driver’s arrival at Maranello.
When Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996, he was already a two-time world champion and essentially the most sought-after driver on the grid. His journey with the Scuderia took time to achieve its peak, however as soon as it did, he dominated the game, securing 5 consecutive world titles earlier than Fernando Alonso ended his reign in 2005. Hamilton, with seven world championships to his title earlier than even turning a wheel for Ferrari, arrives with an excellent higher legacy to uphold.
The Tifosi confirmed their enthusiasm for Hamilton the second he stepped right into a Ferrari automotive at Fiorano, with 1000’s gathering to witness the event. Nevertheless, the beginning of the season has been lower than excellent, with each Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc struggling to safe robust finishes within the early races, barely making it into the highest 10 of the drivers’ standings.
Though Leclerc stays a beloved determine amongst Ferrari followers, Lewis Hamilton’s arrival has generated an unprecedented stage of curiosity—higher even than when previous champions Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso joined the staff. Whereas Hamilton nonetheless has a protracted street forward earlier than reaching Michael Schumacher’s legendary standing inside Ferrari, his sudden Dash Race victory on the Chinese language Grand Prix sparked a response harking back to Schumacher’s most iconic moments.
Ferrari Followers Have fun Hamilton’s Dash Win Like a Schumacher Triumph
Italian journalist Roberto Boccafogli just lately shared insights on The Race F1 Podcast concerning Ferrari’s 2025 marketing campaign and the response of the Tifosi, significantly after the occasions in China.
Based on Roberto Boccafogli, the season’s begin had been stunning, as Ferrari had initially set excessive expectations following Lewis Hamilton’s first public look in Maranello. Regardless of early optimism, Australia proved disappointing, as McLaren’s tempo demonstrated a big hole between Ferrari and the frontrunners.
Nevertheless, in China, issues out of the blue appeared extra promising, with Ferrari seemingly discovering options that allowed Hamilton to safe an sudden Dash Race victory. The Italian journalist famous that the response from the Italian media and the Tifosi was outstanding, drawing parallels to Schumacher’s golden period. He described how the admiration for Hamilton mirrored the immense affection beforehand reserved for Schumacher, highlighting that whereas Charles Leclerc stays deeply cherished, Hamilton’s seven world titles naturally command a special stage of respect and expectation.
Regardless of the Saturday success, the momentum didn’t carry over into Sunday’s Grand Prix. Even earlier than Ferrari’s double disqualification, the staff’s efficiency had already dipped considerably in comparison with the day before today, leaving followers upset after the preliminary excessive.
Lewis Hamilton’s Efforts to Win Over the Tifosi
Hamilton had undoubtedly hoped that Ferrari’s 2025 challenger would enable him to struggle for the championship in opposition to McLaren and Max Verstappen. Nevertheless, the SF-25’s inconsistency has made the duty tough, with moments of brilliance, such because the Dash Race win, overshadowed by underwhelming performances in full-length Grands Prix.
Whereas Ferrari staff principal Fred Vasseur just isn’t presently going through stress regardless of the staff’s setbacks, not one of the duty for his or her struggles falls on Hamilton. The British driver has been making each effort to combine into the Italian aspect’s tradition, taking steps similar to studying Italian and fascinating warmly with each the staff’s employees and followers utilizing the phrases he has picked up.
Earlier than the season started, Lewis Hamilton devoted in depth time to working at Ferrari’s manufacturing facility, striving to familiarize himself with the staff and their processes. Nevertheless, he stays totally conscious that the street forward is lengthy and that rather more work is required if he’s to attain success with Ferrari and cement his legacy alongside the German legend.