Ferrari ought to use System 1 offseason to ‘rebuild’ Lewis Hamilton’s confidence in his qualifying talents Sky Sports activities F1It is Karen Chandock.
Hamilton has struggled on the lap this season, being outscored 23-6 by Mercedes team-mate George Russell in each grands prix and dash races this season, however the pair seem like very a lot on tempo. close to.
This weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, broadcast dwell on Sky Sports activities, will probably be Hamilton’s final in his historic 12-year tenure at Mercedes forward of a marquee transfer to Ferrari subsequent season.
Speaking concerning the newest episode of the present Sky Sports activities F1 PodcastChandock expressed doubts whether or not Hamilton may match the tempo of latest Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.
“Personally, I believe this will probably be an issue in 2025 except he can regain his qualifying type,” Chandok stated. “I do not know if (Ferrari chairman) John Elkann and (Ferrari group principal) Fred Vasseur are apprehensive, but when I have been Lewis I’d be apprehensive.
“In case you’re two-tenths behind, you are in all probability 4 or 5 spots behind. We noticed with George this yr, he was typically a bit behind, after which he’d be three or 4 spots behind.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra handy video participant
Lewis Hamilton annoyed together with his automobile and efficiency in Mercedes’ penultimate Grand Prix
“He had an awesome race in Las Vegas and Fred Vassell was fast to level it out. However in qualifying he nonetheless made two errors. George took pole place.
“If Lewis hadn’t made these errors, he would have received that race. I assumed the tempo he raced with was wonderful. So, there is no doubt that the magic continues to be there on Sunday.
“We noticed it at Silverstone, we additionally noticed it in locations like Barcelona the place it was a bit underneath the radar. The magic on Sunday was nonetheless there however his qualifying efficiency was an actual concern. ”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra handy video participant
Lewis Hamilton apologizes for mistaken begin and pit lane incident, however says he and Mercedes ‘did not get on’ after ending twelfth at Qatar
Hamilton has a report 104 pole positions in his F1 profession, however the seven-time world champion has began from the entrance row simply as soon as prior to now three seasons, on the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Aside from three days of pre-season testing in February, Hamilton’s solely likelihood to drive a Ferrari forward of his debut with the Italian will probably be in restricted races the place the group is ready to drive their earlier automobile.
Chandock believes Ferrari ought to belief Hamilton that any run he does earlier than the beginning of the 2025 season ought to focus totally on qualifying efficiency.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra handy video participant
Lewis Hamilton begged Peter Bonnington to “retire racing” after receiving a pit lane penalty.
“Whether or not they’ll use an outdated automobile take a look at on a 2022 or 2023 automobile after which give him a variety of qualifying testing on new tires to attempt to restore his confidence, I do not know,” Chandock added .
“When it comes to qualifying, his confidence appears to be very low, which is unusual once more, but it surely’s true.
“I believe Ferrari should be proactive and rebuild confidence forward of the season in Melbourne.”
Wolff thanks Hamilton forward of Abu Dhabi ‘celebration’
Earlier than Hamilton bid farewell to Mercedes, Silver Arrows group principal Toto Wolff insisted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will probably be a “celebration” of the whole lot the motive force and group have achieved collectively.
“After 12 unbelievable years, we’re prepared to put in writing the ultimate chapter of our racing story with Lewis this weekend,” Wolff stated in an official Mercedes race preview.
“It has been fairly a journey. Once we first began working collectively in 2013, we could not have imagined what would occur subsequent. Six Drivers’ World Championships. Eight Constructors’ Championships. 84 wins. 78 pole positions. 153 occasions. Get on the rostrum.
“Nevertheless, our relationship means extra than simply numbers and statistics. It’s a legacy that transcends our sport and has an enduring impression past the taking part in discipline. It’s dedicated to growing variety in our sport. Combating for inclusivity.” Lewis was the catalyst for all of this, and we’re honored and proud to be working with him, and that work does not cease on the finish of the yr, but it surely began with Lewis.
“This weekend is a celebration. A celebration of the whole lot we now have achieved collectively. Lewis’s partnership with Mercedes goes again 26 years. Each lap of his profession to date has been pushed by the three-point star Offering energy.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra handy video participant
Forward of his ultimate race for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi, a glance again at his debut with the Silver Arrows on the 2013 Australian Grand Prix
Wolff confirmed Hamilton’s farewell tour will embody journeys to the headquarters of the group’s title sponsor Petronas, in addition to Mercedes’ factories in Germany and the UK.
“We will probably be in Abu Dhabi and within the coming week visiting Kuala Lumpur, Stuttgart and eventually Brixworth and Brackley to commemorate this unparalleled story,” Wolff stated. “And respect that as we This section of the connection is coming to an finish and Lewis will at all times be a part of our household.
“For now, nevertheless, our full focus is on the race weekend. There isn’t any higher solution to finish our time collectively than with an awesome efficiency on the monitor. All the group is targeted on including one other spotlight to the occasion.” .
“We additionally need to finish the season on a optimistic observe. This may assist us begin the subsequent chapter of our story over the winter and past, maintaining the momentum moving into 2025. George is the senior driver and Kimi is the thrilling rookie expertise. , our future is shiny, however let’s finish this chapter on the precise observe, thanks, Lewis: let’s do it one final time.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra handy video participant
Former F1 world champion Jenson Button has urged Lewis Hamilton to replicate on his feedback about his driving pace, urging him to replicate on the truth that he isn’t “sluggish”
Sky Sports activities F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix dwell schedule
Thursday, December 5
11 a.m.: Drivers press convention
Friday, December 6
5.45am: F1 Academy Apply
7 a.m.: F2 observe
9am: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix observe one (race begins at 9.30am)*
10.55am: F2 Qualifying
12.45pm: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix observe two (begins at 1pm)*
2.30pm: F1 Academy Qualifying*
3.15pm: F1 Present*
Saturday, December 7
8.10am: F1 Academy first race
10.15am: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix observe three (begins at 10.30am)
12.10pm: F2 Dash Race
1.15pm: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying preparations
2pm: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying*
4pm: F1 Academy: Race 2
5pm: Ted’s Qualification Pocket book
Sunday, December 8
7.10am: F1 Academy Race 3
9.20am: F2 Particular Race
11.30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preparations
1pm: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
3pm: Checkered Flag: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Reactions
4pm: Ted’s Pocket book
* Additionally broadcast dwell on Sky Sports activities Most important Occasion
Watch the ultimate race of the 2024 System 1 season – the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – dwell on Sky Sports activities F1 this week, with racing happening at 1pm on Sunday. Get Sky Sports F1 or live stream with NOW
