Lewis Hamilton 'really weird' concern raised as Ferrari queried...

Lewis Hamilton ‘really weird’ concern raised as Ferrari queried…read more.

Former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok has expressed his concerns regarding Lewis Hamilton’s recent self-deprecating remarks and his overall confidence, especially as he prepares to transition to Ferrari in the 2024 season. Chandhok finds Hamilton’s comments about his struggles in qualifying to be “really weird,” suggesting that it is indicative of a deeper issue related to his self-esteem as a driver.

The upcoming 2024 season is poised to be unusual for Hamilton, given his impending move to Ferrari. This change means that there will be moments when he is excluded from critical team meetings focused on Mercedes’ plans and strategies for the 2025 season. Despite this, Hamilton has demonstrated impressive race pace, securing two victories during the summer, including a notable win at the British Grand Prix. However, his performance in qualifying has been less stellar, with teammate George Russell consistently outpacing him. The qualifying statistics show a significant gap, with Russell leading Hamilton 20-6, which is surprising for a driver with Hamilton’s extensive experience and record of over 100 pole positions.

Chandhok

believes that the current state of Hamilton’s confidence is concerning. He has observed that Hamilton’s post-race comments reveal an unsettling lack of self-assurance, as Hamilton admits to struggling with qualifying, stating phrases like “I’m just not good at qualifying” and “I just can’t qualify.” This self-criticism raises eyebrows, especially considering Hamilton’s illustrious career and his track record of success in F1.

From Ferrari’s perspective, Chandhok suggests that Hamilton’s speed is not as crucial as the experience and strategic insight he brings to the team. Ferrari already has Charles Leclerc, known for his speed, so Hamilton’s role will be more about leveraging his championship-winning experience rather than setting the fastest lap times. The team is likely looking for Hamilton to guide them in crafting a successful season campaign and to instill a winning mentality within the team.

However, for Hamilton, addressing his qualifying performance will be essential, especially looking ahead to the 2025 season, which is anticipated to be highly competitive. If he finds himself consistently two or three tenths of a second slower than Leclerc in qualifying, there is a risk that he could start races from positions like sixth or seventh on the grid, which would significantly alter the dynamics of those races. Chandhok emphasizes that Hamilton is likely aware of the areas in which he needs to improve, and his body language suggests that he is feeling the pressure of these expectations.

As Hamilton prepares for this new chapter with Ferrari, the balance between embracing his past achievements and addressing current challenges will be crucial. While he has the talent and experience to contribute meaningfully to Ferrari’s ambitions, overcoming the psychological hurdles he currently faces will be vital for his performance. Chandhok concludes that Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari will require him to work on his confidence and qualifying skills to ensure he can compete effectively alongside Leclerc and help the team in their quest for championship success.

In summary, Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari is generating a mix of excitement and concern, particularly regarding his self-confidence and qualifying performance. Chandhok’s insights highlight the importance of Hamilton’s experience in navigating this new environment while also addressing the psychological aspects of his game. As the 2024 season approaches, it will be interesting to see how Hamilton adapts and whether he can reclaim his position as one of the top qualifiers in Formula 1 while contributing to Ferrari’s championship ambitions.