Hamilton Backed to Withstand Ferrari Pressure Amid Difficult Start

Lewis Hamilton has received strong backing to rise above the immense pressure from the Italian press, following a challenging start to his tenure at Scuderia Ferrari. The blockbuster switch, set to commence in 2025, has already unfolded in a manner far from what many had envisioned, drawing considerable scrutiny.

Why it matters

Hamilton's move to Ferrari is one of the most anticipated transfers in Formula 1 history, carrying the weight of expectation for both the driver and the iconic Italian team. A difficult start could impact morale and long-term performance, making external pressure a significant factor.

The details

Former Scuderia Ferrari man Marcin Budkowski shared his insights on the F1 Nation Podcast, expressing confidence in Hamilton's ability to handle the scrutiny. "The pressure is huge from the Italian press and from Italian society in general," Budkowski stated. "I don’t think Lewis cares about that. He has evolved a lot... I don’t think he’s at the stage where what Corriere della Sera writes about him is keeping him awake at night."

Budkowski emphasized Hamilton's drive for success: "I think he wants this to be a success. He wants this to be the culmination of his career. It’s more difficult than everybody expected."

Hamilton himself recently returned to Q3 for the first time since Spa, aiming for a "smoother" experience. However, he later crashed in Turn 3 at the Dutch Grand Prix, resulting in his first DNF with the team. Despite this, he highlighted making significant progress and remaining happy with his performance, acknowledging the team's pressure.

What's next

As Hamilton navigates this period, his resilience will be key. The ongoing support from within the F1 community, combined with his personal determination, suggests he is well-equipped to manage the high expectations and push for success as his Ferrari chapter officially begins.