Lewis Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is stirring up discussions, yet it remains an impersonal venture for now.
- Hamilton’s demeanor at Ferrari’s home race in Imola was viewed as calm by pundits, but some see it differently.
- Jacques Villeneuve believes that Hamilton has yet to feel the personal connection with Ferrari’s Italian spirit.
- Despite struggles, Hamilton managed a commendable fourth-place finish at Imola, ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.
- Criticism surrounds Hamilton’s Ferrari adaptation as expectations were high given his previous quick transition to Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton’s venture with Ferrari is off to a discussion-worthy start, according to Jacques Villeneuve. The former World Champion opines that Hamilton’s connection with Ferrari’s Italian roots hasn’t sparked yet. This sentiment may change by the time the Italian Grand Prix rolls around, where the famed Monza track could offer Hamilton a more personal racing experience.
At the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, Hamilton was seen as ‘cool, calm and collected.’ However, Villeneuve suggests that the race felt more like Ferrari’s home turf rather than Hamilton’s. His traditional home ground is Silverstone, where Hamilton naturally feels the energy. Villeneuve adds, ‘For him, the home race has always been Silverstone. He’s very British, and that’s where he could feel the energy.’
The race at Imola started with disappointment for Ferrari as both Hamilton and Leclerc failed to make it past Q2. Regardless, Hamilton improved his standing remarkably by the finish line, securing fourth place while Leclerc managed sixth. This outing was significant as it marked Hamilton’s first finish ahead of Leclerc since joining Ferrari.
The transition to Ferrari has been tough for Hamilton, bringing in a slew of criticism. Villeneuve highlighted that a driver of Hamilton’s caliber usually doesn’t take long to adjust, referencing his swift adaptation to Mercedes. Yet, Hamilton is still grappling with Ferrari’s notorious environment, where past legends also faced trials. Villeneuve remarked, ‘But does anyone ever fit in at Ferrari. That is more the question to ask.’
Currently, Hamilton stands sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing Leclerc by a slim margin of eight points. This indicates the competitive tension within Ferrari, further emphasizing Hamilton’s adjustment challenges amidst high expectations.
Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is still unfolding, with potential for personal connection yet to fully blossom.
