Lewis Hamilton is assured Ferrari has every little thing it wants to assert the world championship and believes he can nonetheless safe a report eighth title, regardless of coming into the nineteenth season of his illustrious profession.
In his first intensive feedback since finishing his high-profile transfer to Ferrari from Mercedes – set to earn him over 100 million kilos ($126 million) over the following two years – Hamilton shared his elevated sport plan to etch his title into the historical past books and produce Ferrari its first title in practically 20 years.
He dismissed retirement rumors, stressing he wouldn’t stroll away from the game if he clinched one other crown.
“Absolutely, I believe this team is ready,” Hamilton mentioned with out hesitation when requested if Ferrari might assist him attain additional glory. “I’ve been a part of two world-champion groups (McLaren and Mercedes), and I do know what a profitable workforce seems like. Ferrari has every little thing wanted to win – it’s received that zeal, that DNA, that’s been lacking elsewhere.”
Hamilton’s quest for an eighth title was derailed in 2021 after a controversial Abu Dhabi season finale.
Following three disappointing years, Hamilton’s performances final season raised questions on his skill to nonetheless compete on the entrance.
He struggled in qualifying, dropping to former teammate George Russell, and at 40, many doubted his probabilities, particularly paired with the quick and gifted Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
But Hamilton stays hopeful. “Yes, I am more hopeful than ever,” he mentioned. “Ferrari’s legacy, their mentality, it’s in their DNA. The competition will be tough, but I feel a magic here, an energy I haven’t felt before. It’s going to take hard work from everyone, and we’re all committed to it.”
For Hamilton, it is not about chasing quantity eight however about serving to Ferrari win its first championship in years. “It’s about how I can contribute to that and help them succeed,” he mentioned. “I’ve elevated my mindset and approach to everything – fitness, time management, how I work with the engineers – because the pursuit of perfection is my only focus.”
Ferrari got here near claiming the constructors’ title final season, ending simply behind McLaren, and with few adjustments to the foundations, they’re poised to problem once more within the upcoming season. The 2024 marketing campaign begins in Melbourne on March 16.
Hamilton, who has already been working at Ferrari’s Maranello base and realized Italian, feels at residence together with his new workforce. “Everyone has gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, and it feels right,” he mentioned. “At 40, I never imagined I’d still be this excited about the sport, but I’m giving everything to achieve this dream.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com