Hamilton Crash Revealed as Ferrari...

Hamilton Crash Revealed as Ferrari…read more

A recent crash involving Lewis Hamilton has shed light on the dramatic circumstances surrounding the seven-time world champion’s upcoming debut season with Ferrari. The 40-year-old British driver is preparing to start his new chapter at Ferrari after leaving Mercedes during the offseason, marking a significant shift in his illustrious career.

Hamilton, widely regarded as one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers, has been with Mercedes for the majority of his career, winning six of his seven world titles with the team. However, after enduring a period of frustration in recent years, the veteran decided to make the bold move to Ferrari, aiming for an eighth world title that has eluded him. His decision to join the Scuderia was announced earlier, and the anticipation surrounding his transition is palpable.

In 2025, Hamilton will team up with Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s star driver, at the Italian team. While it’s still early days, the excitement surrounding the partnership is significant, with many expecting it to be a formidable combination on the track. Hamilton’s first official appearance for Ferrari will take place at the team’s private test facility in Fiorano, where he will drive their 2023 car for the initial tests. Additionally, further testing will take place in Barcelona, giving Hamilton a chance to familiarize himself with the car before the start of the season.

However, Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari hasn’t been entirely seamless. The 2024 post-season tyre test in Abu Dhabi saw him absent, as he chose to embark on a farewell tour with Mercedes before formally making the switch to Ferrari. Despite the challenges, Hamilton has expressed his eagerness to join Ferrari and has spoken openly about the difficulty of leaving Mercedes after such a long and successful period.

His departure from Mercedes has been felt deeply by the team, particularly by Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal. Wolff had spent much of the 2024 season searching for a suitable replacement for Hamilton. In the end, the team chose Kimi Antonelli as their new driver, but Hamilton’s absence left a void. Despite this, Wolff has consistently praised Hamilton both professionally and personally, acknowledging the impact the British driver had on the team during his tenure.

The relationship between Hamilton and Wolff remains strong despite the change, but the departure has tested their bond in certain ways. One notable incident occurred in 2018 when Hamilton took part in a MotoGP test, riding Valentino Rossi’s Yamaha YZF-R1 at the Jerez circuit in Spain. Hamilton, known for his passion for motorsport beyond Formula 1, swapped four wheels for two during the off-season. However, the test took an unexpected turn when Hamilton fell off the bike during the session.

Wolff, speaking on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, recounted his shock upon learning of the crash. He had given Hamilton permission to participate in the test, but when he couldn’t get in touch with his driver for a couple of days, he was worried. Eventually, Wolff’s team informed him that Hamilton was fine despite the fall. His engineer reassured him that everything was good and Hamilton was not seriously injured. The fall, however, was not without consequence. According to Wolff, Hamilton’s crash occurred while he was only four seconds off the pace set by MotoGP pros, which amazed him.

Wolff spoke highly of Hamilton’s exceptional skill and natural talent, acknowledging that his remarkable body awareness and ability to adapt to different motorsport disciplines are key attributes that make him a champion. Despite the incident, Hamilton’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest drivers in the sport.

As Hamilton prepares to start his journey with Ferrari, the upcoming season holds both excitement and uncertainty. His crash during the MotoGP test, although a reminder of the risks involved in motorsport, underscores Hamilton’s fearless nature and his drive to push the boundaries of his abilities. The season ahead promises to be one of intense competition, as Hamilton seeks to challenge for his eighth world title with a new team, while also continuing to build on his legacy in the sport.

Overall, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari is a game-changer for both the driver and the team, and fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable season in Formula 1.