New Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton suggested Maranello team once used 'tactics' to spin him out
01/04/2025 06:09 PM
Lewis Hamilton is set to embark on a new chapter of his illustrious Formula 1 career, swapping the familiar surroundings of Mercedes for Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season. The British driver, long a rival of the Scuderia, will now don their iconic red as he chases an unprecedented eighth Drivers’ Championship.
The British driver history with the Maranello team stretches back to his debut season in 2007, when McLaren and Ferrari fought fiercely for the title. That year, McLaren's championship hopes were derailed by the infamous “Spygate” scandal, leaving Kimi Räikkönen to secure the crown by a single point over Hamilton and Fernando Alonso in a dramatic season finale. A year later, Hamilton exacted his revenge by clinching his first championship in a nail-biting battle, ultimately triumphing over Kimi Räikkönen's teammate, Felipe Massa, in one of the sport’s most memorable conclusions.
Fast forward to the Mercedes era, Lewis Hamilton dominated the hybrid era, but Ferrari remained a persistent challenger, particularly during Sebastian Vettel's tenure. The German, a four-time champion, posed a credible threat in both 2017 and 2018 but fell short of dethroning the Silver Arrows’ reign. Now, with Ferrari in the throes of a 16-year title drought, Hamilton's arrival signals hope for a return to glory.
Lewis Hamilton's Reaction to Ferrari Collision at Silverstone 2018
One of Hamilton's most contentious moments with Ferrari came during the 2018 British Grand Prix. Entering his home race just a point behind Vettel in the championship standings, Hamilton took pole in front of an adoring Silverstone crowd. However, his strong start quickly unraveled. Sebastian Vettel surged ahead, and Lewis Hamilton was relegated to third behind Valtteri Bottas as Kimi Räikkönen attempted an ambitious move at Turn 3. Locking up, the Finnish driver clipped Lewis Hamilton, causing the Briton to spin and drop to the back of the pack.
Despite the setback, the Brit delivered an inspired recovery drive, finishing second and closing within two seconds of Vettel. However, his frustration was evident post-race, as he skipped podium interviews and later suggested foul play. "Interesting tactics I would say from this side," Lewis Hamilton remarked to Sky Sports F1, implying Ferrari's involvement was deliberate. Mercedes later walked back the comments, affirming that the incident was accidental, and Lewis Hamilton himself retracted the accusation.
Healing Old Wounds at Ferrari
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari brings with it a need to overcome past tensions. Similar challenges faced Vettel when he joined the team, particularly given his fierce championship battles with Alonso in 2010 and 2012. The scars of Ferrari's near-misses run deep, epitomized by Felipe Massa's heartbreak at the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, where Hamilton’s last-corner pass on Timo Glock snatched the title away from the Brazilian. Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley later admitted to breaking down in tears for an hour following the defeat.
Now, the British driver is making efforts to adapt to Ferrari's unique culture, including learning Italian to build rapport with the team. Having spent his entire career at British-based teams, Hamilton faces the challenge of acclimating to Maranello's environment. As he prepares to line up in Ferrari red for the first time, the collaboration between the legendary driver and the historic team could define the next chapter of Formula 1 history.
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