BREAKING NEWS: Lewis Hamilton is 2.0 Ahead… Read more
Bernie Collins on Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Challenge: “We’re Going to See Lewis 2.0”
As Lewis Hamilton gears up for his much-anticipated debut season with Ferrari, former race strategist Bernie Collins has weighed in on what lies ahead for the seven-time world champion. Speaking ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Collins made it clear that the Formula 1 legend is set to enter a new phase in his career, which could be described as “Lewis 2.0.”
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari after spending over a decade with Mercedes has already sent shockwaves through the F1 community. It’s a move many fans have longed for, as Hamilton dons the famous red suit to race for the Scuderia, aiming to bring Ferrari its first drivers’ title since 2007. However, the challenge for the British driver will be immense, not only in adapting to a new team but also in going up against Ferrari’s star driver, Charles Leclerc.
Collins, who has worked with several top drivers throughout her career, believes that Hamilton is ready for this new chapter, stating, “Ferrari is going to be a challenge, beating Leclerc is going to be a challenge. So I think we’re going to see Lewis 2.0.”
A Fresh Start After Difficult Years
Hamilton’s last few years with Mercedes have been turbulent, to say the least. After losing the 2021 championship to Max Verstappen in controversial fashion, Hamilton has been visibly frustrated with the team’s inability to deliver a car capable of challenging for the title. Mercedes’ once-dominant form faded in 2022 and 2023, with Hamilton finishing outside the championship battle in both seasons.
“Since 2021, he’s not been fighting for the championship,” Collins said. “Now we’re going to see Lewis fighting. It has all the hallmarks of a fairy tale.”
Hamilton’s determination to return to the front is evident, and Ferrari offers him a fresh opportunity to do so. The Italian team has made strides in recent years, and with the new SF-25 car looking promising in pre-season testing, hopes are high that Hamilton will be able to mount a serious challenge for the championship in 2025.
Beating Leclerc: The Ultimate Test
One of the most intriguing aspects of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is the internal battle with Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver has established himself as one of the fastest qualifiers on the grid, often outperforming his teammates in crucial moments. For Hamilton, who has made a career out of his speed and consistency in qualifying, the challenge will be significant.
Collins highlighted this as a key factor in Hamilton’s Ferrari journey, noting that qualifying is going to be one of the biggest hurdles for the veteran driver. “The big question is can he beat Leclerc in qualifying? Can he have the upper hand in the race?” she asked.
“If he can come out rolling in the first few races, it’s going to be exciting. If he gets a taste of it in the first few races, he’s going to be pretty hard to stop,” Collins added.
The start of the season will be critical for Hamilton. Should he hit the ground running and perform well in the opening rounds, the momentum could carry him through a competitive season. On the other hand, if Leclerc manages to assert himself early, Hamilton will face an uphill battle to reclaim his dominance.
A Fairytale Ending?
While there are many unknowns heading into Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari, the potential for an iconic storyline is undeniable. A driver of Hamilton’s caliber racing for Ferrari, chasing an eighth world title, would be one of the biggest narratives in the sport’s history.
“Ferrari is the dream team for many drivers, and to see Lewis Hamilton there, it has all the ingredients for something special,” Collins said.
With the Australian Grand Prix just around the corner, fans are eagerly waiting to see how this new chapter for Hamilton unfolds. Can he take Ferrari back to the top? Will he outshine Leclerc and secure the upper hand in the team? One thing is certain: the 2025 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years.
As Collins put it, “We’re going to see a step up from the last three years where he’s been a bit upset that Mercedes weren’t going to turn things around. Now, we’re going to see Lewis fighting again.”
The world is ready for Lewis 2.0, and the countdown to the Australian Grand Prix is on.
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