The frustration may also be deeper. Hamilton only now seems to understand how great the task he has faced with his Ferrari engagement. He had also openly justified his change with the myth, which comes from the Ferrari brand. Every driver dreams of sitting in his career in the legendary red car, he said at the time.
However, the current situation raises the question of whether it was blinded by the Ferrari myth. Ferrari is the most successful and famous team in Formula 1 history. However, the last successes have been almost two decades. Kimi got the last driver’s title in a Ferrari. That was in 2007.
Since then, even seasoned drivers such as double world champion Fernando Alonso or four -time world champion Sebastian Vettel have failed to include further titles in their collection with Ferrari. To catch up with the deficit that the car currently has to the extreme will also be a Herculean task for Hamilton.
After all: Michael Schumacher also experienced a horror season at Ferrari in his first year. His car from 1996 went down in the history books as “Red Cucumber”. Then, however, he managed to further develop the car with the team – and became the dominant power of the racing series.
From the driver’s talent, Hamilton would be similar. However, his problem remains the time: Schumacher won his first title with Ferrari in the fifth season. In view of his advanced sporting age, Hamilton should not have five seasons to create the turn.
With a view to his ex-team Mercedes, which is currently traveling much faster than Ferrari and in phases, even as a second force behind the dominant McLaren, the impression is confirmed: Hamilton has dealt with his change.
However, he first calls for patience. “We all want to win immediately, but it will take time for us to be where we have to be,” said Hamilton before his first Ferrari home game in Imola, Italy this weekend.