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Riccardo Patrese on Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari F1

Pressure on Ferrari to deliver? 'Hamilton can still win Championships'

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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

Former Italian F1 star Riccardo Patrese has put the onus on Ferrari to take advantage of their "very good" signing in the form of Lewis Hamilton. Patrese is excited about Hamilton's upcoming move to the Italian team, and believes the seven-time World Champion can add another title if he has the equipment to do so.

Before the 2024 Formula 1 season even started, Ferrari and Hamilton announced their partnership for 2025. Despite it always being a dream to race in red, Hamilton looked set to conclude his career at Mercedes until the surprise move emerged. Hamilton, who will turn 40 in January, will compete for Ferrari in 2025 and 2026 at least. Patrese sees it as a wise move for the driver.

"Everyone loves being able to go to Ferrari, because many have done it, many world champions. Now it is becoming a reality. Ferrari has made a very good purchase," Patrese said during the Librixia event to showcase his new book titled 'I am a Survivor'. Hamilton has just six race weekends left with Mercedes.

Pressure on Ferrari to deliver?

Currently, Ferrari are ahead of Mercedes in the Constructors' World Championship. They are just 34 points shy of Red Bull Racing in second. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have won races in 2024, but seem to be a step behind McLaren when it comes to having an adaptable package that works at a range of different circuits. Patrese, who competed in over 250 Grands Prix, puts the onus on Ferrari to step up.

"Now it's up to them to give Hamilton a car to aim for the world championship, because he is still capable of aiming for the world championship, just like Leclerc. Motivation after so many years in Formula 1 only comes if there is a chance of getting a result. I think Hamilton’s eccentricity can do good for the Italian environment in general. At the beginning of his career he didn’t convince me, but for what he has done and how he behaves, I like it," he concluded.