F1 experts agree: Lewis Hamilton has steered clear of key error Fernando Alonso made at Ferrari
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Lewis Hamilton will aim to mirror Fernando Alonso's impressive Ferrari debut by securing victory at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend. Alonso clinched his first win with the Scuderia at the 2010 Bahrain GP, setting the stage for a strong title challenge that year. However, despite a valiant effort, Alonso fell short in his bid for the championship, losing out to Sebastian Vettel, who would later take his place at Ferrari. The following season saw a similar outcome, as Vettel defeated Alonso in a dramatic title fight that spanned the entire season.
Fernando Alonso eventually parted ways with the Maranello team at the end of 2014 Formula 1 campaign, after the team's performance dwindled with the new regulation changes. By the time he left, Ferrari had dropped to fourth in the constructors’ standings, trailing Mercedes by almost 500 points.
Despite these challenges, Fernando Alonso’s achievements with Ferrari are significant. He ranks fifth on the team’s all-time list for both wins (11, tied with Felipe Massa) and podiums (44), cementing his status as one of the most accomplished drivers to wear Ferrari's colors. However, his time with the team never resulted in the ultimate prize — the World Championship — despite coming agonizingly close on two separate occasions.
While Lewis Hamilton continues to build his legacy as the most successful driver in F1 history, his decision to join Ferrari has a unique context. the Spaniard’s journey offers a cautionary tale about timing, as many in the paddock believe that had Fernando Alonso stayed at Ferrari just a bit longer, he might have had the chance to secure another title. After his departure, the Italian side came close to matching Mercedes' dominance, with Sebastian Vettel finishing third in 2015 and securing runner-up spots in 2017 and 2018.
Alonso's ill-fated move to McLaren-Honda, however, derailed his chances, leading to a premature retirement in 2018. After a two-year break, he returned with Alpine and is hopeful of challenging for the 2026 title with Aston Martin. Yet, despite his talent, his victory drought is set to stretch into 12 years.
In contrast, many believe Hamilton has joined Ferrari at just the right moment. The team has shown significant progress, finishing just 14 points behind McLaren in the constructors’ championship last year, signaling that the Scuderia might be on the verge of a major breakthrough.
Martin Brundle has highlighted how Hamilton's decision to return to working with trainer Angela Cullen, along with the support of his manager Marc Hynes and team principal Fred Vasseur — who coached Hamilton in his junior categories — is a "very smart" move. Hamilton, already the most successful driver in F1 history, is positioning himself for success at Ferrari, and with the right timing, he could finally achieve that elusive eighth championship. While McLaren is currently seen as the fastest team, Hamilton is hopeful that Ferrari can challenge them and rise to the occasion in 2025.
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