Lewis Hamilton continues to generate more hype than any other F1 driver at the Bahrain test. Before the action started, most of the photographers congregated outside the Ferrari garage to catch the first glimpse of the seven-time world champion in an official session.
Karun Chandhok says the buzz around Hamilton is ‘unreal’ after arguably the biggest driver transfer in the sport’s history. It could continue all year if the move proves to be a success.
Perhaps this suits his rivals more. Fred Vasseur wanted to control the fanfare around Hamilton so that he and his engineers could remain focused on the adaptation process.
Lando Norris is widely considered the title favourite after McLaren won the constructors’ championship. He’ll have less attention on him thanks to Hamilton.
He’s the first world champion to join Ferrari since Sebastian Vettel, who won all four of his titles at Red Bull before moving to Maranello. But most have drawn comparisons to Michael Schumacher’s 1996 move instead.
Perhaps that’s inevitable given that Hamilton is trying to overtake Schumacher at the top of the all-time title list (they’re currently tied on seven). It would be especially symbolic to achieve that feat in scarlet red.
Karun Chandhok says Lewis Hamilton talks with John Elkann conjure Michael Schumacher memories
Hamilton was seen speaking to Ferrari chairman John Elkann in the garage on Wednesday. Chandhok says Elkann’s appearance in the paddock for testing ‘underlines the significance’ of the signing.
He remembers the scenes in ’96 when Schumacher first joined. Elkann’s predecessors were in attendance back then, acknowledging that it transcended the racing team.
The company’s share prices surged when they announced the move a year ago. Though he turned 40 last month, Hamilton could stay at Ferrari for three years under his first contract.
“It’s a hark back to when they last signed a world champion megastar in Michael Schumacher,” Chandhok said during the coverage of testing. “John Elkann’s uncle Gianni Agnelli was in the pitlane with Luca di Montezemolo going to watch this huge asset they’d brought to the team.
“It underlines the significance and importance to the Ferrari group of signing Lewis Hamilton.”
Ted Kravitz saw something that ‘doesn’t happen very happen’ at Ferrari
Chandhok’s colleague Ted Kravitz also remarked on Elkann’s surprise attendance. The Italian only attends select races during the season.
He’ll be eager to hear Hamilton’s early impressions about the SF-25. Encouragingly, he set the pace in the morning session.
“When was the last time you saw the main man at the Fiat Group and Ferrari, the president, the man in charge, the man who signs the cheques, at day two of pre-season testing?” Kravitz asked. “I’m sorry, this doesn’t happen very often.
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“That is a key appearance there by John Elkann, who’s flown in to touch base with Lewis Hamilton and the Ferrari time.”
Chandhok says Hamilton already looks comfortable in the Ferrari, which will reassure Elkann. The 105-time race-winner is naturally far more expensive than Carlos Sainz, so he’ll expect a handsome return.
Hamilton is reportedly earning £39m per year but, crucially, this could rise as high as £83m depending on bonuses. Ferrari missed out on the constructors’ trophy by just 14 points last season.
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