Helmut Marko pinpoints Lewis Hamilton's 'world-class' edge ahead of Ferrari F1 move

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All eyes will be on seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton when the pre-season testing kicks off at the Bahrain International circuit this February.

For the first time in his illustrious Formula 1 career, Lewis Hamilton will not be piloting a car powered by Mercedes. Instead, he'll be representing Ferrari, marking a seismic shift in the F1 landscape. This move comes after Ferrari sensed an opportunity to secure the seven-time world champion's services ahead of the 2024 season.

Hamilton's contract with Mercedes had been a modest one-plus-one-year deal, complete with exit clauses for both sides. This left the door open for Ferrari to swoop in with an enticing offer: a two-year contract with the option to extend through 2027. Now, Lewis Hamilton's hopes rest on Ferrari's ability to maintain the momentum they built during the latter half of the previous season.

The Scuderia's resurgence was underscored by Charles Leclerc's stunning victory in the Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit, aided by a track-specific update that proved Ferrari could outpace McLaren and close the gap to Red Bull. Additionally, the Monegasque’s spectacular charge from 19th to third in Abu Dhabi showcased the team's potential. If not for a flawless performance by Lando Norris, Ferrari might have clinched the Constructors' Championship.

Despite these promising signs, Hamilton has been uncharacteristically self-critical about his own performances in 2023, particularly in qualifying. He was outqualified 19-5 by Mercedes teammate George Russell during the sport's longest-ever season, while Charles Leclerc's reputation as F1's premier qualifier looms large.

However, Red Bull's Helmut Marko still sees Hamilton as a force to be reckoned with. In a recent interview with German motorsport news site Speedweek, the Red Bull boss acknowledged Lewis Hamilton's enduring brilliance, describing him as 'world-class' in a specific area. As the F1 world waits with bated breath, the British driver’s transition to Ferrari is shaping up to be one of the most captivating storylines of the upcoming season.

When asked about the 2025 Formula 1 campaign, Helmut Marko admitted that “we can also be excited about Lewis Hamilton in the Ferrari. He will have one of the strongest opponents in qualifying in Charles Leclerc. In the race, he can still be world-class if the car is right. But we also saw at Mercedes that his motivation is limited if the car isn't very good. He needs to know that he can get on the podium with it. He's unlikely to go out of his way for a tenth place." – he pointed out.

Lewis Hamilton's performance in Abu Dhabi served as a powerful reminder of the value he will bring to Ferrari.

One of the most debated topics as the season progressed was whether Ferrari had made the right call in replacing Carlos Sainz with Hamilton. This decision drew sharp criticism, with former team boss Eddie Jordan even suggesting that Ferrari should tear up Hamilton's contract, lamenting the immense talent they were allowing to depart for Williams.

Carlos Sainz, now with a point to prove, will undoubtedly approach next F1 campaign with determination, aiming to elevate his new midfield team and make a case for his place among race-winning contenders. His triumph in Mexico City, achieved after a breathtaking pole-winning lap, showcased the skillset that fuels his belief in his championship potential.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton's final outing with Mercedes underscored that his best days are far from behind him. Despite an early setback—a collision with a bollard that relegated him to P16 and necessitated a recovery drive—he demonstrated his resilience and racecraft. In a car capable of challenging for a podium, Lewis Hamilton staged a remarkable comeback.

A highlight of the race came on the final lap, where he executed a spectacular move to overtake his teammate, who had started ten positions ahead. This clinched Lewis Hamilton's victory in their head-to-head rivalry as teammates over three seasons, reinforcing his competitive edge.

As Lewis Hamilton heads to Ferrari, the next chapter of his career promises to be equally thrilling. If he can prevail in his upcoming intra-team battle against his Maranello teammate, the possibility of securing an unprecedented eighth world championship remains well within reach.

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