"Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari risks ending up like Kimi Raikkonen and Daniel Ricciardo"
Today at 04:56 AM
As Lewis Hamilton prepares for his debut with Ferrari in the 2025 Formula 1 season, he continues his adaptation process. Drawing from the struggles of Daniel Ricciardo and Kimi Raikkonen, many highlight the challenges Hamilton may face after 12 years of success with Mercedes.
Hamilton’s long relationship with Mercedes has ingrained specific driving habits and muscle memory that could prove difficult to adjust to at Ferrari. The transition involves more than just a change of logo; it requires a radical shift, from Ferrari’s engine characteristics to the steering wheel layout and even pedal configurations. These adjustments are crucial for Hamilton to optimize his performance and make an immediate impact.
Will Lewis Hamilton struggle with the transition to Ferrari?
Some have compared this situation to Daniel Ricciardo's move to McLaren. Despite his undeniable talent, Ricciardo struggled with McLaren's braking and handling characteristics, ultimately leading to his departure from the team in 2022.
Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson shared his perspective on Lewis Hamilton's upcoming challenges, emphasizing the difficulties other drivers have faced in similar transitions. "Controls like the pedals and the steering wheel are things he'll have to adapt to. Daniel Ricciardo had significant struggles in this area," Davidson explained. "We've heard similar complaints from various drivers in the past, like Kimi when he moved to Ferrari, complaining about the steering compared to McLaren's."
For Lewis Hamilton, the goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible. Testing with older Ferrari cars has given him valuable insights into the car's systems, but the real test will come in race conditions. The hope is that Hamilton's vast experience will allow him to develop an intuitive feel for the Ferrari, similar to the comfort he had with Mercedes.
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