Schumacher and Hamilton: differences on their first day at Maranello according to Piero Ferrari
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Two champions in 29 years
After a year of waiting since the official announcement of Lewis Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari, the Englishman has finally arrived at Maranello. First photos, first contact with Ferrari's passionate fan base, first laps at the wheel of the two-year-old car, and even the first mistake. Still, Sir Hamilton is fulfilling his dream of starting a new adventure with the Prancing Horse, aiming to win his eighth world title. Such an achievement would make him the driver with the most F1 world championships, surpassing the record he currently shares with Michael Schumacher.
The main difference
Yes, Michael Schumacher—the man who achieved the greatest successes of his career with Ferrari, where he arrived in 1996 as the reigning two-time world champion. His move to the team electrified Ferrari fans, as Piero Ferrari, son of the company's founder Enzo, recalls. In an interview with Autosprint, however, the vice president of the Scuderia noted differences between the two historic arrivals, starting chronologically with the 'Kaiser': “The situation was different. Michael Schumacher had just won two world championships, and there was a lot of pressure,” he explained. “Michael seemed cold to the general public, but with those who knew him well, he was very friendly. I always had a friendship with him that lasted over the years.”
The lack of victories and age
As mentioned, the German arrived at Ferrari as a world champion but during a particularly difficult period for the team, which had not won a Drivers’ title since 1979 and had secured only two victories between 1991 and 1995 (one in 1994 and another in 1995). At present, with Hamilton's arrival, Ferrari is in a better situation, though the world title has still been missing since 2007. Additionally, Schumacher joined Ferrari at the age of 27, whereas Lewis Hamilton is arriving at 40, nearing the end of his career.
Ferrari passion and the driver's elegance
Finally, speaking about Hamilton's first day in front of his new fans, Piero Ferrari was surprised by the welcome given to the Briton: “I could hardly believe it! That genuine passion struck me,” he continued. “The people on the little bridge over the Fiorano track, crowding onto the cycling path—it was a true demonstration of love. Beautiful. He had seen the fans waiting for him through the car windows, and he was happy, surprised. From the way he presented himself, I don't recall any other driver being so elegant on their first day at Ferrari. A flawless suit, a tie… We managers, for example, weren't even wearing ties.”
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