Lewis Hamilton needs to arrive at Ferrari “as a...

Lewis Hamilton needs to arrive at Ferrari “as a winner” | “It’s a…” read more.

Lewis Hamilton’s anticipated switch to Ferrari in 2025 has become a key talking point in the Formula 1 world, and 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve believes it is critical for Hamilton to finish his time with Mercedes on a high. After spending 12 years with the German manufacturer, Hamilton is set to make a shocking move to Ferrari, a team known for its internal challenges and occasional instability.

According to Villeneuve, Hamilton needs to approach Ferrari as a winner, bringing momentum and confidence to his new team. Speaking on Sky Sports’ F1 Show in Azerbaijan, Villeneuve stressed the importance of Hamilton wrapping up his Mercedes stint with strong performances, particularly since his results have been mixed over the past few seasons.

“It’s super important,” Villeneuve stated. “Hamilton has been associated with winning when Mercedes had a dominant car, but in recent times, when the car has become more difficult to handle, George Russell has been the one ahead, especially in qualifying. That’s not the narrative Hamilton wants to bring with him to Ferrari. Ferrari is a chaotic team, not an easy one to work within, so you want to arrive there with wins under your belt.”

Hamilton’s last victory before the 2024 season had been a long time coming, as he went through an extended winless period that spanned nearly 1,000 days. While he secured two wins for Mercedes this year, his younger teammate, Russell, has often been seen as the more impressive driver, particularly in qualifying sessions. This has prompted some observers to question whether Hamilton can still perform at his peak.

Villeneuve’s comments reflect a broader concern: Ferrari’s notoriously difficult working environment. The team has had a history of internal management challenges and inconsistent performances, making it crucial for a driver like Hamilton to bring strong form and leadership to the table. If Hamilton arrives at Ferrari following a lackluster end to his Mercedes tenure, the transition could prove even more challenging. In contrast, if he can finish the season on a high, it could bolster his confidence and give Ferrari a much-needed boost.

Despite the pressure to end his time at Mercedes on a high, Hamilton appeared optimistic after a strong showing in Azerbaijan. During the second practice session (FP2), Hamilton set the third-fastest time, coming within a tenth of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Speaking about his performance, Hamilton expressed satisfaction with his progress and the pace of his Mercedes.

“It was a really good day,” Hamilton said after FP2. “I enjoyed today. I hit the ground running from the start and made small, incremental steps with the setup. For once, I felt like we didn’t have any steps where we needed to backtrack, and everything was building up consistently.”

Hamilton also noted that Red Bull and Ferrari continued to show strong pace, but he felt Mercedes was “there or thereabouts,” which is a positive sign for the remainder of the weekend. While happy with the day’s results, Hamilton remained cautious about the team’s chances of challenging for a win in Azerbaijan, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, especially when it comes to fuel loads and final setup adjustments.

“I really don’t know what to expect,” he admitted. “On Fridays, you don’t know what fuel loads everyone else is running. Often, when we get to P3 or qualifying, other teams tend to take a step forward, and we haven’t always matched that. So we’re staying cautious and focusing on getting the most out of the car we have.”

Hamilton’s level-headed approach mirrors the uncertainty that has clouded Mercedes’ 2024 campaign. While the team has made progress compared to the difficult 2023 season, they are still playing catch-up to Red Bull, the dominant force in recent years. Ferrari, meanwhile, has been competitive but inconsistent, adding to the anticipation surrounding Hamilton’s move to the team next year.

Hamilton’s final months with Mercedes are likely to shape his reputation heading into Ferrari. With Villeneuve stressing the need to “arrive as a winner,” all eyes will be on the British driver as he navigates the remainder of the 2024 season, aiming to reclaim his form before tackling the fresh challenges that await him at the Scuderia.