Title With Ferrari Would Make Hamilton 'Even More Famous' Says Former Ferrari Driver

Monday, 19 February 2024 at 21:30

Updated at Monday, 19 February 2024 at 22:11

Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari has been the most discussed topic since it happened; according to former F1 driver Gerhard Berger, it can make him even more famous.

Without a doubt, the seven-time World Champion is one of the most famous Formula One drivers ever. Possibly, only the legendary Michael Schumacher compares to the Brit in this metric, as the two are the only men who have won seven World Championships, and inspired generations along the way.

Schumacher won five of his seven Championships with Ferrari, while Hamilton won six out of his seven with Mercedes. Both have a legacy with one team, but soon they will share another thing, driving for Ferrari.

While in the German's case, he spent the majority of his career with the team from Maranello, in Hamilton's case, it will be the last stages of his storied career with the Italian team.

He will be driving with Ferrari from 2025, and the discussions have already started about how successful the 39-year-old driver can be with the Italian team, as they are currently not at the peak but still among the challengers.

According to former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger, who spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport and drove for the team between 1987 and 1989, and 1993 and 1995, the move to Ferrari can make the British driver even more famous than he currently is.

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"I actually expected it beforel. It was clear that Lewis could end up at Ferrari, it’s a win-win situation for both of them. The team needs to open a new phase and Lewis is one of the best drivers in history, as well as an exceptional public relations figure."

According to Berger, it's a win-win situation for both sides, as Ferrari will profit from having a 103-time Grand Prix winner in their car, while the Brit will get to grow another fanbase, this time the one from the Italian team.

"The Ferrari brand and the Hamilton brand together form a super attractive combination for the fans. Moreover, Lewis knows that winning a World Championship with Ferrari would have special value for his career, because it is every driver’s dream, and it would make him even more famous."

On top of that, Hamilton can bring more to the team than just plenty of experience on the track. According to Berger, he can have a lot of influence also off the track, something that may be important for the Italian team at this stage.

"First of all his experience. He has won more than a hundred grands prix, he is used to winning, so he knows how to motivate the team and handle politically difficult situations."

"In addition, some technicians will follow him and others could join from different teams because they are motivated by Lewis’ presence. Ferrari can open a cycle of success like it did with Michael Schumacher."