Lewis Hamilton will ‘end up in the Vatican’ if .... Read more

Lewis Hamilton will ‘end up in the Vatican’ if he delivers F1 title for Ferrari

Guenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 team principal, has humorously suggested that Lewis Hamilton might “end up in the Vatican” if he successfully leads Ferrari to its first Formula 1 title since 2008. This playful remark highlights the monumental challenge Hamilton will undertake as he joins the iconic Scuderia Ferrari team next season, aiming to secure a record-breaking eighth world championship.

Hamilton, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in F1 history, is set to partner with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari. The 2024 season will mark a significant chapter in Hamilton’s illustrious career, as he transitions from Mercedes, where he has enjoyed immense success, to Ferrari, a team steeped in tradition and history but which has struggled to achieve championship glory in recent years. Their last constructors’ title came in 2008, while Kimi Raikkonen was the last driver to secure a championship for Ferrari back in 2007.

In a recent episode of the “Beyond the Grid” podcast, Steiner reflected on Hamilton’s motivations for joining Ferrari. He speculated that Hamilton’s desire to revive the team’s fortunes and bring home a championship is a driving force behind his move. Steiner noted that Hamilton has already established himself as a seven-time world champion and may view this new challenge as an opportunity to add to his legacy. “I think he wants to try to do the magic, to bring Ferrari back to winning championships,” Steiner said. He emphasized that while Hamilton might have been able to win an eighth title with Mercedes, doing so with Ferrari would elevate his status even further, akin to achieving a near-mythical status.

Steiner also touched on the profound connection between Ferrari and Formula 1, stating, “Ferrari without Formula 1 is not Ferrari, and Formula 1 without Ferrari is not Formula 1.” This reflects the significance of the Prancing Horse in the sport’s history and allure. For Hamilton, the opportunity to compete for such a storied team likely carries great personal significance. Additionally, he shares a close relationship with Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, with whom he has a history of collaboration in junior racing formulas.

As Hamilton prepares to don the famous red overalls, he will also be mentoring Leclerc, who is considered one of the sport’s brightest talents. Steiner expressed optimism that Leclerc could benefit greatly from Hamilton’s extensive experience. He highlighted Hamilton’s ability to minimize mistakes, noting that he is a highly skilled and well-rounded driver. “Lewis rarely makes mistakes,” Steiner pointed out, recognizing Hamilton’s comprehensive approach to racing and life outside of it. He suggested that Leclerc could learn valuable lessons from Hamilton’s professionalism and focus, which have contributed to his success over the years.

Steiner believes that while Leclerc possesses similar driving speed, Hamilton’s broader skill set and experience give him an edge. He encouraged Leclerc to absorb as much knowledge as possible from Hamilton, indicating that this mentorship could accelerate Leclerc’s development as a driver. Steiner’s insights underscore the potential for a dynamic partnership between the two drivers, as they work together to enhance Ferrari’s performance on the track.

Overall, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks a significant moment in both his career and the team’s history. If he can achieve the elusive goal of winning a championship with Ferrari, it would not only solidify his status as one of the greatest drivers of all time but could also rejuvenate a team that has long sought to return to its former glory. Steiner’s comments reflect the excitement and high expectations surrounding this new chapter, suggesting that Hamilton’s efforts could have far-reaching implications, perhaps even leading to a kind of veneration typically reserved for the most revered figures in sports.