Helmut Marko pinpoints Lewis Hamilton’s ‘WORLD CLASS’ edge...

Helmut Marko pinpoints Lewis Hamilton’s ‘WORLD CLASS’ edge…read more

Lewis Hamilton is set to make headlines in 2024 as he embarks on a new chapter in his legendary Formula 1 career. The seven-tim

e world champion, long associated with Mercedes, will now race for Ferrari, marking a dramatic shift in one of F1’s most significant moves in recent history. Ferrari has lured Hamilton with a lucrative two-year contract, extendable until 2027, after his one-plus-one-year deal with Mercedes included exit clauses. This opened the door for Ferrari to secure his services, despite Hamilton’s long-standing success with Mercedes.

Hamilton’s move comes as Ferrari begins to show signs of a resurgence. The Italian team had a strong finish to the 2023 season, highlighted by Charles Leclerc’s impressive victory at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Ferrari’s performance also saw them close the gap to Red Bull and outpace McLaren, with Leclerc’s remarkable charge from 19th to third place in Abu Dhabi further showing the team’s potential. Despite this improvement, Ferrari’s decision to replace Carlos Sainz with Hamilton has sparked some debate.

Critics, including former team boss Eddie Jordan, have questioned the move, especially given Sainz’s recent success. Sainz’s standout victory in Mexico City and pole position cemented his status as a capable driver, and he will now seek to prove Ferrari wrong at his new team, Williams, which is expected to be in the midfield. Nonetheless, Ferrari’s upward trajectory gives hope that Hamilton could be in a competitive car capable of fighting for championships.

For Hamilton, the 2024 season represents a fresh challenge. Despite his past success, Hamilton faced difficulties in 2023, especially in qualifying, where he was outpaced by his teammate George Russell in a lopsided 19-5 result. This performance was in contrast to Charles Leclerc’s reputation as one of the strongest qualifiers on the grid, adding more intrigue to Hamilton’s upcoming partnership with the Monegasque driver. Hamilton himself has acknowledged his qualifying struggles, further raising questions about his ability to adjust to Ferrari’s setup.

However, Red Bull’s Helmut Marko remains confident that Hamilton’s racecraft remains world-class, particularly when the car is competitive. In an interview with Speedweek, Marko emphasized that Hamilton thrives when in a car capable of podium finishes, as he’s unlikely to put in his best efforts in less competitive machines. Marko also pointed to Hamilton’s resilience and racecraft, citing his dramatic recovery in his final race for Mercedes, where he fought back from 16th position to overtake Russell on the last lap, capping off a successful three-year stint against his teammate.

As Hamilton prepares for his debut in Ferrari red, the stakes could not be higher. The 2024 season promises to be a thrilling one, with Hamilton’s rivalry with Leclerc a focal point. Both drivers will aim to establish their dominance within Ferrari, and for Hamilton, success in this battle could pave the way for his long-awaited eighth world title. That would solidify his status as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.

While Hamilton’s move to Ferrari generates excitement, the team will face the challenge of justifying the decision to let Sainz go. Meanwhile, Sainz, now at Williams, will be eager to prove himself and lead his new team out of the midfield, adding another layer of intrigue to the 2024 season. With so many captivating narratives unfolding, the upcoming campaign promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.