Why Lewis Hamilton's first Ferrari run will be a huge challenge for Italian police
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For most of his illustrious Formula 1 career, Lewis Hamilton has been viewed as a rival, even an adversary, by the passionate Tifosi, Ferrari’s legendary fanbase. However, a shift is now occurring in Italy, as “Hamilton mania” begins to take hold among the very fans who once saw him as the enemy.
In the early years of his F1 journey, the British driver was locked in fierce battles with Ferrari drivers for the championship. In 2007, he narrowly lost the title to Kimi Raikkonen by a single point. A year later, however, Hamilton triumphed over Felipe Massa, securing the championship by the same margin. Massa’s heartbreak in the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix remains a vivid memory for Ferrari supporters, as the Brazilian crossed the finish line thinking he had won the title, only for Hamilton to pull off a dramatic last-lap overtake to clinch the crown.
Lewis Hamilton’s rivalry with Ferrari continued throughout the next decade, with fierce competition from both Massa and his new teammate Fernando Alonso. By 2017, as Mercedes continued their dominant run, Lewis Hamilton faced yet another challenge from Ferrari in the form of Sebastian Vettel. Despite winning at Monza that year, Hamilton was met with boos from the Tifosi on the podium, a reception that repeated itself in 2018. Yet, the very same fans who once jeered him will now eagerly welcome Hamilton as he embarks on his new chapter with the Scuderia.
Reports suggest that Lewis Hamilton’s first test with Ferrari is scheduled for January 21, just weeks away. However, this date could be changed if inclement weather forces a rescheduling.
Italian journalist and motorsport expert Robert Chinchero provided insight into Hamilton’s upcoming test, discussing the Ferrari team’s plan for the event. While team principal Fred Vasseur has already stated that Hamilton will not receive the same level of fanfare that Michael Schumacher enjoyed in 1996, the team is keen to focus solely on the task at hand. However, this is easier said than done. Although Ferrari fans may not have access to the Fiorano circuit, it is expected that the streets around the venue will be filled with enthusiastic supporters eager to catch a glimpse of their new star. The spectacle of fans flocking to see Lewis Hamilton could be unprecedented, not only in F1 but in Italian sport as a whole. This heightened attention may also present challenges for local authorities, who will need to manage what could become a significant public event.
Robert Chinchero mentioned that a sort of “Hamilton mania” had already begun in Italy. He explained that since the start of the New Year, Italian Ferrari fans had been eagerly wondering when Lewis Hamilton's first test with Ferrari would take place. He predicted that the streets around Maranello and Fiorano would be packed with people, and that the turnout would be something not seen in years. He also remarked that managing the crowd would likely prove to be a significant challenge for the police.
Emerson Fittipaldi has issued a warning to Lewis Hamilton ahead of his highly anticipated Ferrari debut, advising him to prepare for one particular challenge. Hamilton is set to follow in the footsteps of legendary drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio, as he aims to secure the championship for Ferrari in his 40s, a feat Fangio achieved during his own illustrious career. Hamilton celebrated this significant milestone on Tuesday, marking his 40th birthday.
In terms of impact, Hamilton's move to Ferrari is unparalleled, making him statistically the most significant signing in the team's history. His arrival holds the potential to end Ferrari’s long-standing title drought, as the Tifosi have not had the joy of witnessing a drivers’ championship victory since Kimi Raikkonen‘s triumph in 2007. This is a weighty expectation, and many hope that Hamilton’s presence will bring the team back to the forefront of Formula 1.
Recent fan polls suggest that Hamilton and Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc form the best driver pairing on the grid. If the two drivers can avoid taking points off each other and work together, they could prove to be an unstoppable force, especially with a competitive car. The combination of Hamilton’s expertise and Leclerc's youthful talent creates an exciting prospect for Ferrari’s future.
However, Fittipaldi has warned that the level of attention Hamilton will receive in Italy will be immense. According to the two-time F1 world champion, the entire nation will pause to watch Hamilton's debut for Ferrari, signaling just how much the Tifosi are invested in his success. The real challenge for Hamilton, Fittipaldi believes, will be maintaining his focus amidst the overwhelming external hype and pressure that comes with such high expectations.
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