Former F1 driver says it would be the “Greatest thing that has ever happened in Formula 1” if Lewis Hamilton wins his eighth WDC title at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton announced his sensational move to Ferrari last season, as he joins the Italian team after spending over a decade at Mercedes. The Briton won six world championship titles during his reign at the Silver Arrows, as he now moves to their rivals’ garage.
Former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger explained the rationale behind the Briton’s move to Ferrari. He stated that the veteran needed a new challenge, given that he had spent so many years at Mercedes. Moreover, the Silver Arrows were not really competitive in the last couple of seasons.
“I think Hamilton needs new motivation. He has had two problems: the Mercedes has only been a winning car on exceptional occasions, and he has now been in the same team for so long that only a change of scenery will help,” Berger said.
However, Berger does believe that the Briton will struggle against Charles Leclerc’s speed at Ferrari. The Monaco based driver has been a part of the Ferrari setup for quite a while, and he will be itching to win his first championship next season.
“Finishing fifth is not a result that motivates Hamilton. He’ll have to grit his teeth again at Ferrari and could well be at his best once more. On the other hand, I think he’ll struggle against Leclerc’s speed. It’s going to be a very tight race.”
Gerhard Berger backs Ferrari to win at least one title next season
Gerhard Berger believes that it would be one of the greatest things in the sport if Lewis Hamilton wins his eighth world championship title at Ferrari this season. He believes that Ferrari were consistently fast last season, and backs them to win at least one championship this season.
“Yes. If Hamilton could become World Champion in a Ferrari, it would be the greatest thing that has ever happened in Formula 1 in terms of marketing. I would put my money on Ferrari this season. I can’t say whether Hamilton or Leclerc will win the Drivers‘ or Constructors’ World Championship, but they will win a title. That’s my personal impression,” said Berger.
“Ferrari was almost always fast last year, with a few slip-ups. I trust Fred Vasseur to get this volatility out of the system. It took a while, but I think they are very close,” he added.
Gerhard Berger places his trust in Fred Vasseur, as he believes he can inspire Ferrari to be world champions once again. He also stated that Ferrari have a great team in place, in terms of both drivers, and the engineering team. Hence, Berger believes that his former team head into the season as one of the favorites.
“They are well positioned in terms of engine and chassis and have top drivers. Vasseur makes a good impression. He is calm, thoughtful, always on point, and he delivers.”
“That has been the case at all the stations in the motorsport world where he has been so far. It was a good decision by Ferrari to sign him. And it was clear that it would take a year or two for his work to pay off.”
“Now I have the feeling that it’s starting to work. I also think it’s great that he got Hamilton. Vasseur will bring Ferrari back to the top.”
