Lewis Hamilton Faces Tough Challenge at...

Lewis Hamilton Faces Tough Challenge at…read

Former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger believes Lewis Hamilton has two key challenges ahead at Ferrari after his high-profile switch from Mercedes. The seven-time World Champion, who dominated Formula 1 with Mercedes for over a decade, will now have to prove himself against Charles Leclerc in a team known for its internal rivalries.

Berger, who spent six seasons with Ferrari and won five races with them, highlighted two major issues Hamilton faced at Mercedes. Firstly, the team’s car was no longer consistently competitive, offering only occasional chances of victory. Secondly, his long tenure at the Silver Arrows had made it difficult for him to find fresh motivation. According to Berger, moving to Ferrari could be exactly what Hamilton needs to reignite his drive for success.

“I think Hamilton needs new motivation,” Berger told Auto Motor und Sport. “He has had two problems: the Mercedes has only been a winning car on exceptional occasions, and he has now been in the same team for so long that only a change of scenery will help.”

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is not just about personal ambition—it carries enormous marketing potential for the sport. Berger even suggested that if Hamilton were to win an eighth title with Ferrari, it would be the greatest moment in Formula 1 history from a commercial perspective.

“I would put my money on Ferrari this season,” Berger said. “I can’t say whether Hamilton or Leclerc will win the Drivers’ or Constructors’ Championship, but they will win a title. That’s my personal impression.”

Despite Ferrari’s strong pace last season, they struggled with inconsistencies that prevented them from mounting a serious title challenge. However, Berger believes team principal Frédéric Vasseur is working to eliminate these weaknesses.

“Ferrari was almost always fast last year, with a few slip-ups. I trust Fred Vasseur to get this volatility out of the system. It took a while, but I think they are very close,” he said.

With Ferrari improving their engine and chassis and boasting two of the best drivers on the grid, the Austrian has faith that the team is on the right path. He also praised Vasseur’s leadership, describing him as calm, strategic, and effective—qualities that will be crucial in Ferrari’s quest to reclaim the championship.

“They are well-positioned in terms of engine and chassis and have top drivers. Vasseur makes a good impression. He is calm, thoughtful, always on point, and he delivers,” Berger explained.

However, the challenge for Hamilton will not only come from adapting to a new team but also from his teammate, Charles Leclerc. Berger predicts a fierce internal battle between the two drivers, given Leclerc’s speed and deep-rooted relationship with Ferrari.

“Hamilton will have to grit his teeth again at Ferrari and could well be at his best once more. On the other hand, I think he’ll struggle against Leclerc’s speed. It’s going to be a very tight race.”

With Ferrari aiming to return to championship-winning form, Hamilton’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter in Formula 1. Whether he can secure a historic eighth title remains to be seen, but his presence at Ferrari is already making waves in the sport.