Lewis Hamilton to leave behind Mercedes' 'extreme' challenges with Ferrari F1 move

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Lewis Hamilton's closing chapters with Mercedes before his much-anticipated switch to Ferrari were far from the triumphant farewell many had envisioned.

Before delivering an emotional final victory for Mercedes at his home British Grand Prix, Hamilton endured a near three-year drought without a win, spanning almost 1,000 days. Even his subsequent victory at Spa, which added another achievement to his glittering career, came under unusual circumstances following the disqualification of teammate George Russell after the race.

Now entering his 18th Formula 1 season, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion is set to embark on a new chapter, one that will see him don the iconic red of Ferrari. This pairing, Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari, is a union that has long been the subject of fan speculation and intrigue. For years, the possibility seemed increasingly remote as Hamilton's unprecedented success with Mercedes continued to solidify his legacy. Yet, the dream scenario is finally becoming reality.

Lewis Hamilton's first experience behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car is just around the corner. With only weeks to go until pre-season testing in Bahrain, he will soon begin his work with Ferrari's 2025 challenger, a car that carries the weight of high expectations. Reflecting on what lies ahead, motorsport journalist Mark Hughes shared his insights on The Race F1 Podcast. Hughes offered an early assessment of how Hamilton might adapt to life at Maranello and noted a significant difference that could play to the British driver’s advantage.

Grand Prix editor for Motor Sport magazine Mark Hughes pointed out that one 'extreme' challenge Hamilton faced during his time with Mercedes, something that proved a recurring hurdle—may no longer be as pronounced at Ferrari. This change could allow Lewis Hamilton to fully exploit his driving talent and thrive in a new environment with fewer of the limitations he struggled against in his final years at Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton, known for his ability to extract every ounce of performance from a car, may find the Ferrari 2025 machine more to his liking, giving him the freedom to push harder and more consistently than before. As he prepares to leave behind the struggles of recent seasons, the stage is set for a fascinating new chapter in the career of one of Formula 1's greatest drivers.

When asked about the factors that would determine the battle between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, Hughes explained that it would ultimately come down to raw speed. He noted that after a season where Hamilton was decisively outperformed by a teammate for the first time in his career, there were now question marks surrounding his pace. In contrast, Hughes asserted that Charles Leclerc’s speed was unquestionable.

Mark Hughes suggested that Hamilton, despite his unparalleled career achievements, might enter Ferrari as a slight underdog. However, he added that the situation might not be as straightforward as it appeared. He pointed out a plausible explanation for Hamilton’s struggles with the Mercedes, related to the car’s limited pitching and diving characteristics, which clashed with Hamilton's natural driving style.

The Formula 1 expert further remarked that Ferrari's car did not seem to exhibit the same extreme traits. Instead, it appeared to allow for a more aggressive corner entry, as Leclerc had demonstrated on numerous occasions. He highlighted that this characteristic had been a hallmark of Ferrari's cars over the past three or four years and speculated that it might carry over into their 2025 challenger.

Given this, Mark Hughes pondered whether the Ferrari’s traits would align well with Hamilton's driving style. If so, he predicted an exceptional and thrilling rivalry between the two drivers.

Ferrari demonstrated in 2024 that they are capable of providing Lewis Hamilton with a race-winning Formula 1 car.

Hamilton announced his departure from Mercedes ahead of the season, allowing him an entire year to bid farewell to his loyal fans at every circuit he visited. Each milestone carried emotional weight for the seven-time champion, and his final performance in the W15 proved his enduring skill. Starting deep in the field, Hamilton fought his way through the pack to secure a P4 finish, overtaking teammate George Russell in the process.

Commentator Martin Brundle had even predicted Hamilton's decisive last-lap move on Russell, a moment that showcased the veteran driver's unrelenting hunger. That determination will undoubtedly give Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur confidence in his bold decision to replace Carlos Sainz with the experienced Hamilton.

While Hamilton's dramatic comeback in the Abu Dhabi finale was a highlight for fans, Ferrari would have been equally thrilled by their significant progress throughout the 2024 season. Although a poorly executed update at the Spanish Grand Prix briefly derailed their momentum, the Scuderia quickly recovered. By the end of the year, they were operating at a level comparable to Constructors' Champions McLaren, a remarkable feat that underscored their resurgence.

This upward trajectory bodes well for the future. If Ferrari can sustain their 2024 form into the 2025 season, the two Maranello drivers could find themselves battling for the championship. For Lewis Hamilton, it would be a chance to add another chapter to his storied career, while Ferrari would relish the opportunity to return to their former glory with two of the grid's top talents at the helm.

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