Former Ferrari driver claims Lewis Hamilton is the ‘most important character’ in modern F1

Gerhard Berger praised Ferrari's decision to sign Lewis Hamilton and highlighted the financial potential of this dream pairing.

Former Ferrari driver claims Lewis Hamilton is the ‘most important character’ in modern F1

Lewis Hamilton (Via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton shocked the sporting world with his ambitious move to Ferrari in 2025. The seven-time world champion would race in the iconic red of Maranello next year. Certainly, this news was praised by millions of fans across the globe. Now, former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger has highlighted Hamilton’s massive presence globally.

The Austrian claimed that Lewis Hamilton was undoubtedly the most important and consistent personality in F1’s modern era. Berger reckoned that this was attributed not only to the Briton’s results but his massive fan following. The 64-year-old pointed out that millions of casual viewers are interested in the seven-time world champion. Subsequently, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari formed a formidable financial pairing as the Italian team was by far the biggest name in the world of racing.

We are talking of the most important and consistent character in modern Formula 1 in terms of results and also monitoring by fans. Lewis is a reference for a large community that includes, in turn, people who are not solely interested in racing. This puts it in a different position compared to the rest. If you put it together with Ferrari, you generate great financial power.
Gerhard Berger told Corriere della Sera
YouTube video

The former F1 race-winner praised Maranello for signing Hamilton. The 64-year-old was convinced that it was the best decision for the team. A power shift could be pivotal for Ferrari as the team has struggled to fight for the title in the past few seasons. Subsequently, the arrival of Lewis Hamilton could change the dynamics for the better within the team.

FS Video
I have to congratulate Ferrari. Hiring Hamilton seems to me the best possible decision. Sometimes a power shift is necessary within a workgroup and I'm sure Lewis, with new skills, new engineers, and a new way of making decisions, it will end up paying off.

Can Lewis Hamilton bring glory to Maranello?

Scuderia Ferrari is the most successful engine supplier and team in F1. However, the Italian squad has gone through a championship drought for over a decade. Ferrari’s last title victory came in the form of the 2008 Constructors’ Championship.

Fred Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton
Fred Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton (Via IMAGO)

Over the years, Maranello has had the likes of Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel. However, no one could win the world championship for the Prancing Horse. Ferrari’s golden boy Charles Leclerc had a failed attempt at the title in 2022 but was defeated by Max Verstappen. Perhaps Lewis Hamilton is the only driver who can finally turn the tide.

Hamilton remains as hungry as ever to win an unprecedented eighth F1 world title. The 39-year-old is still performing at an incredible level in F1 and has a few years left in himself. Subsequently, Lewis Hamilton could be the ideal driver for the Scuderia. The seven-time world champion is an all-time F1 great who brings vast experience from his dominant years with Mercedes.

Certainly, Lewis Hamilton is Ferrari’s best bet to win the F1 world championship. The Scuderia would be working extensively to give the 39-year-old a capable car once he joins the team in 2025. However, the pressure on this dream pairing would be enormous. As such, it remains to be seen if Hamilton can bring glory back to Maranello.

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