Source:REUTERS/HAMAD I MOHAMMED
[Saba Sports News] Since Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari, many media outlets have compared it to Michael Schumacher’s arrival at Ferrari 30 years ago. Schumacher achieved tremendous success with Ferrari; can Hamilton replicate this? Reports indicate that Schumacher first drove a Ferrari F1 car at the end of 1995, shortly after he secured his second world championship title with Benetton. In foggy weather, hundreds of Ferrari fans warmly welcomed Schumacher, gathering to celebrate this moment. However, it proved to be a dream that took five years to realize. Schumacher won his first world championship with Ferrari in 2000 and then defended it for four consecutive years. Now, it is Hamilton’s turn to take on the challenge with Ferrari, as he hopes to end the team’s championship drought, which dates back to 2007. Hamilton also conducted private testing at the Fiorano circuit, marking his official debut with Ferrari. However, reports stated that his fastest lap time was over a minute, while Schumacher’s record was 55.999 seconds. Various data suggest that it is unrealistic for Hamilton to win the world championship in his first season with Ferrari, with his best opportunity likely in 2026. That year, F1 will implement significant rule changes. If he still falls short in 2026, Hamilton might choose not to exercise the final year option in his 2+1 contract with Ferrari, officially bidding farewell to the F1 scene before his 42nd birthday.