Lewis Hamilton needs to avoid the mistakes made by Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso at Ferrari this year.
Lewis Hamilton will race for Scuderia Ferrari this year. The seven-time world champion joins the likes of several world champions to race for Maranello.
However, the Briton must avoid following the trajectory of his peers such as Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso.
Hamilton will arrive to Maranello with massive fanfare. Many believe this move is one of the biggest in the history of the sport. High expectations will be laid on both sides with sponsors ready to back this highly-anticipated partnership.
Though, both Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton will need to stay wary of making any mistakes. The Italian team has had a history of fallouts with its past drivers, including Vettel and Alonso. Is there anything Hamilton can learn from his predecessors?
Lewis Hamilton needs to have a firm grip at Ferrari
Sebastian Vettel joined Ferrari in 2015 after a dismal stint at Red Bull the previous year. The German driver challenged Hamilton for the title in 2017 and 2018. Though, Maranello essentially abandoned the four-time world champion after Charles Leclerc‘s arrival in 2019. The former Red Bull star was sacked the following season.
Fernando Alonso signed with the Scuderia in 2009. The Spaniard fought Vettel for the title between 2010 and 2013, but failed to defeat the German. Ultimately, he was replaced by Sebastian Vettel for 2015 after a disastrous season the previous year. Alonso had been vocal over his dissatisfaction with the team during his latter years, which further sparked tensions.
Lewis Hamilton needs to know what mistakes he needs to avoid. The seven-time world champion first has to establish a firm grip over the team, by defeating Charles Leclerc as teammate. This would ensure that Maranello backs him as its lead driver.
Moreover, the Briton must ensure that he is able to criticize any shortcomings without a fallout in the garage. Under Fred Vasseur, the team’s culture has improved. Yet, this doesn’t guarantee that it will allow Hamilton to be vocal.
The main point remains results. If Ferrari can provide a quick car to Lewis Hamilton, and he is able to deliver, this union will stay harmonious. Although, even a string of small errors could create unease in the pit wall. Fans would certainly hope that Hamilton’s tenure at Maranello fulfills its massive expectations. As it is likely that the Briton will retire from the sport after this final stint.
