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F1 fans are eager to see what Lewis Hamilton's adventure with the new team will look like. Although he has defended the colors of Mercedes for years, the successful Briton has decided to take on a new challenge in his career, frustrated by the failures in the years behind us. Max Verstappen is the man who is the absolute ruler of the F1 scene at the moment, but some wonder if Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari can change the direction of the championship from next year.
David Coulthard, a well-known name in this motorsport, drew a parallel between Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, believing that success in F1 cannot be guaranteed for Lewis Hamilton. Michael Schumacher also searched for success during the last days of his career, but he did not have much luck. Coulthard pointed out in an interview with the Daily Mirror that Schumacher's return did not turn out to be successful. Although he seemed like someone with the potential for great things for several years, things went wrong for him.
"Mercedes does not exist for Lewis Hamilton, and Lewis Hamilton has made it clear that he does not exist for Mercedes.
In the same way, when Michael came back from retirement to sign for Mercedes, it was really shocking to imagine him being anything other than a Ferrari legend.
But the draw of coming home to Mercedes, the desire and belief that he could do it still, brought him in.
He did a couple of years, he did okay, but it was not the same as how he was in his first stint in Formula 1."-Coulthard said.
David believes that this is a form of gambling by the 39-year-old. Hamilton realized that Mercedes is not a team in which he has prospects of success, and decided to defend the colors of the most successful team in F1. The former F1 driver stresses that this will be a serious challenge, especially when you take into account who his teammate is.
"Lewis is rolling the dice again with Ferrari.
It may well lead to a rejuvenation of performance and a fight for the world championship. But it is going to be challenging because he has got [to beat] a very fast Charles Leclerc."
James Vowles on Lewis Hamilton
James Vowles, the current Williams team principal who was previously part of Mercedes, reflected on Lewis' arrival at Mercedes. Vowles admits that he has never seen such a talented driver, who has done magical things year after year. Vowles knew that Hamilton could be a guarantee of success for his team.
"With Lewis, when he joined us [he] was, and still is today, the most - within my Mercedes career - the most naturally talented driver I've worked with, including Michael. Just so much natural talent. That journey we took him on was, 'We'll win Championships together'."-Vowles said.
Lewis Hamilton is the profile of a driver who is ready to do anything to be at the top. His passion and desire for success led him to great heights. However, an experienced Briton cannot make a success if the team leaders cannot provide you with the foundations for such a thing. The 39-year-old knew that it was time to turn a new leaf in his career, following the examples of some of his colleagues. Vowles revealed what makes Hamilton different and special.
"Lewis just has oodles of natural talent," Vowles said. "And, with him, he's got these tendencies and traits where, when you go out in FP1, he's like an octopus all over the wheel. He'll change every setting on the wheel near enough and explore it. But it's what makes him incredible.
James Vowles: He's able to do that and many drivers aren't
An important characteristic of the multiple F1 champion is that he knows how to adapt to new situations. When you have been part of this sport for years, and when you have achieved such successes, it speaks volumes about your ability to adapt. In addition, Hamilton has a huge amount of experience that has helped him in this regard. Ferrari executives hope that Lewis can be just as successful and adaptable in their team.
"At times you'll see Lewis drops backwards and often when he jumps forwards again it's because he's gone to a set-up that's known and now he's back on the money. But he's able to do that and many drivers aren't.
He's able to explore often, perhaps in the wrong place on set-up, but he's learning from it. And that's Lewis all over."- he concluded.
We are looking forward to next season, no doubt about that. There are many quality drivers who are waiting for their chance.
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