The arrival of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari continues to stir debate throughout the Formulation 1 paddock. After a tough begin to the season for the seven-time world champion, a number of former drivers have analyzed the challenges confronted by the British star find the correct feeling with the SF-25. Amongst them is Mika Hakkinen, who provided a transparent and real looking interpretation of the state of affairs confronted by Ferrari’s latest signing.
In an interview with the Hindustan Occasions, the two-time Finnish world champion praised Lewis Hamilton’s distinctive expertise but in addition underlined how demanding it may be to adapt to a totally new automotive and workforce surroundings. “Lewis is a rare driver, one of many strongest in historical past. He has constructed his profession by dealing with immense stress and virtually at all times popping out on prime. However while you change groups, the actual problem isn’t simply driving — it’s making the automotive an extension of your personal type,” defined Mika Hakkinen.
The previous McLaren driver then highlighted the technical complexities behind a serious transfer like Hamilton’s change to Maranello. “It takes time to tailor a technical undertaking completely round a driver. Normally, it takes 4 or 5 years earlier than a workforce totally understands the wants of the particular person behind the wheel. It’s not sufficient to alter setups or engine maps: the engineers should be taught the driving force’s language, perceive his reactions, and anticipate his preferences. Solely then can the package deal develop into really aggressive,” added the Finn, recalling his personal expertise throughout his McLaren years.
Mika Hakkinen’s phrases provide a extra balanced perspective in comparison with the criticism Hamilton has confronted in current weeks. After years in a extremely structured surroundings like Mercedes, the seven-time world champion is now going by way of a fancy adaptation course of that calls for persistence, belief, and technical concord. And if there may be anybody who is aware of what it means to rebuild the connection between driver and automotive, that particular person is Mika Hakkinen.
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