Felipe Massa warns Lewis Hamilton of a Ferrari challenge even Michael Schumacher couldn't conquer
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Brazilian driver Felipe Massa has an intimate understanding of life as a Ferrari driver. Having started his Formula 1 journey with Sauber, Massa joined the Scuderia in 2006 during a pivotal moment in the team's history. It was Michael Schumacher's final season with Ferrari, just as the German handed over his dominance in the Drivers' Championship to Fernando Alonso after an unprecedented five consecutive titles.
During his early years at Ferrari, the Brazilian witnessed Michael Schumacher's brilliance up close, observing the legendary driver's unmatched work ethic and influence. After Michael Schumacher's retirement, Massa was entrusted, alongside Kimi Raikkonen, with continuing the legacy of success Schumacher had built. The Finnish driver claimed the 2007 world championship in a dramatic finale, but Felipe Massa's own championship hopes were heartbreakingly dashed the following year.
In 2008, Massa came agonizingly close to clinching his first world title at his home Grand Prix in Brazil. The celebration was short-lived, as Lewis Hamilton's last-lap pass on Timo Glock snatched the title away in a dramatic conclusion to the season. Despite that setback, Felipe Massa remained a loyal Ferrari driver for nearly 150 races before ending his career with Williams.
Now retired, Massa has closely followed the sport and the rise of new talents, including fellow Brazilian and F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, who secured a spot on the grid amidst the ripple effects of Hamilton's move to Ferrari. Felipe Massa, who battled wheel-to-wheel with Hamilton for much of their careers, is particularly interested in seeing how the seven-time champion adapts to the unique challenges of Ferrari.
In a recent interview with Estadao, a daily newspaper published in São Paulo, Brazil, Felipe Massa shared his thoughts on the potential obstacles Lewis Hamilton may face at the Maranello team starting with the next season. He pointed out that even Michael Schumacher, for all his achievements, couldn't overcome certain limitations at the Scuderia during his time. Felipe Massa speculates that Hamilton's age could be one such factor, possibly impacting his ability to perform at the same level as younger rivals in the intensely competitive environment of modern Formula 1.
As Lewis Hamilton enters the 2025 F1 season with the Maranello team, he finds himself with a point to prove to both critics and supporters alike. While the legendary driver has consistently been one of the most dominant figures in Formula 1, recent performances have shown some signs of self-doubt that may raise concern among Ferrari fans.
Throughout the 2024 Formula 1 season, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has faced significant challenges. He was decisively outqualified by his teammate, George Russell, and ultimately finished behind him in the championship standings. These results have led to growing questions about the British driver’s future with Ferrari, with Ralf Schumacher even expressing doubts about whether the 39-year-old will see out the remainder of his contract. However, it's hard to imagine Lewis Hamilton not wanting to carry on the momentum he built in the latter part of the 2024 season, especially with the upcoming regulatory changes set to shake up the competitive landscape in 2026.
Lewis Hamilton has always performed best when faced with skepticism about his abilities, and this latest chapter in his career is no different. Throughout his career, he's never been a stranger to defending his decisions, a trait he displayed when he made the bold move to Mercedes in 2013 after leaving McLaren. Despite the setbacks he faced in his first season with the Silver Arrows, Hamilton's resilience ultimately led him to success and multiple championships.
Ferrari, however, offers a very different situation than Mercedes did when Hamilton first joined the team in 2013. The Scuderia is in a far stronger position now, with a competitive car that could provide Lewis Hamilton with the opportunity to compete at the highest level once again. Maranello is already putting plans in place to honor Hamilton should he deliver a championship to the team, which would be the perfect conclusion to one of Formula 1's most illustrious careers. For Lewis Hamilton, the 2025 season will not just be about silencing his critics—it will also be about cementing his legacy as one of the greatest drivers to ever compete in the sport.
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