Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has already gathered the attention of fans worldwide, with record numbers on his social media posts and over 3,000 fans attending his on-track debut at Fiorano.
It is expected to be one of the biggest stories of the season, as Hamilton attempts to win an eighth world title with the Maranello-based squad.
Hamilton took to the Fiorano circuit and completed 30 laps in a 2023 car, describing it as ‘one of the best feelings of my life’ when he finished the morning run.
It will be the first time since Eddie Irvine that Great Britain has had a full-time driver at Ferrari, with Oliver Bearman breaking the 20-year streak when he substituted for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last year.
Ferrari is expected to be competitive, having improved their car with upgrades introduced at Monza which yielded victories at the Italian, Mexico City, and US Grands Prix towards the end of last year.
Hamilton has the chance to add a third manufacturer to his list of wins with teams in F1, and former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger once explained why it is different winning for Ferrari when speaking on Beyond the Grid.
Gerhard Berger explains why winning for Ferrari is a ‘special feeling’
Berger drove for Ferrari between the 1987 and 1989 seasons and then again between 1993 and 1995, winning four Grands Prix and coming a career-high of third in the Drivers’ Championship.
Discussing what winning for Ferrari was like, Berger explains why is it a much more special feeling compared to other teams on the grid.
“To be once in your life a Ferrari driver and you can maybe win races, it’s a very special feeling. I’ve been lucky to get this chance, I used it, and I have to say my heart is too deep with Ferrari,” said Berger.
“Ferrari’s status is related to the quickest sportscar, the quickest race car, everything. In the whole world, you know that the big part of the fans or car industry is related to Ferrari. You are the one being trusted to deliver happiness, and that is something that makes you feel good and proud.”
Lewis Hamilton told he needs pressure to succeed at Ferrari
There is a lot of anticipation that Hamilton will add to his tally of 105 victories while at Ferrari, although he will find it tough going up against Charles Leclerc in the same team.
Leclerc is known for being a one-lap specialist, with Peter Windsor predicting that it will likely be the Monogasque who triumphs over Hamilton.
Damon Hill has also questioned whether Hamilton can win a title this year, given how close Lando Norris was to winning it and McLaren also expected to be competitive.
Guenther Steiner believes Hamilton will need pressure to succeed at Ferrari, as it will give him the motivation he needs after spending the last three years unsuccessfully defending his crown at Mercedes.
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