Winning races, titles (yes, multiple), and leaving a mark on the sport, is what F1 drivers dream of. If that dream comes to fruition while driving for Ferrari — the sport’s most decorated team — it elevates the driver onto hallowed turf. Michael Schumacher, who shattered all records possible during his time with the Italian manufacturer, sealed his legacy in the scarlet red car. The team, in return, bestowed on the German an honor never accorded to any driver before, or after. Well, that will change with Lewis Hamilton’s arrival in 2025.
Hamilton has reportedly been offered founder Enzo Ferrari’s residence as his base at Maranello. Sky Sports‘ Marco Vanzini broke the news while revealing that Schumacher was the only other driver who has received the privileged treatment.
Schumacher won five consecutive titles with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004, bringing his total tally to seven. With the colossal feat, he earned the honor of calling Enzo’s place his home.
Hamilton is joining Ferrari as a seven-time World Champion. He has already surpassed all of Schumacher’s records (except the title count). That is probably the reason why Ferrari intends to extend the same treatment to the British ace. There is perhaps an underlying message too: Ferrari expects nothing less than a title from Hamilton. And he better deliver it, honoring Enzo.
| Sir Lewis Hamilton’s base in Maranello is expected to be Mr Enzo Ferrari’s old house.
An honor and privilege that only Michael Schumacher had previously.
This is according to Sky Sports Italy’s Vanzini; first seen via @BadpostF1.
Roberto Chinchero | #F1 pic.twitter.com/3NukkbXb90
— sim (@sim3744) November 12, 2024
While talks of history beckoning are doing the rounds, and parallels are being drawn, there is a stark contrast between the entry of Schumacher and Hamilton. Schumi joined Ferrari as the undisputed team leader. Hamilton’s dynamic in the team is yet to be determined, or at least, seen by those outside the team.
Things will certainly be more complicated as Schumacher’s teammate throughout his time at Ferrari was Rubens Barrichello — who was happy playing second fiddle. Hamilton will be paired up with Charles Leclerc, who has, for very long, been dubbed as Ferrari’s golden boy.
Before Hamilton’s arrival was in the scene, Leclerc was touted to be the one who would bring Championship glory back to the team.
The Monegasque, who joined in 2019, got the better of four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel during their time as Ferrari teammates. And he is eager to do something similar to Hamilton, and stamp his authority as the top driver, once and for all.
Both Leclerc and Hamilton eagerly await the challenge
Hamilton will suit up for Ferrari as one of the best drivers in F1 history. And Leclerc will be relishing the chance to not just beat him, but to learn from him as well.
“Obviously for me, it’s going to be amazing because I’ll have in the same car as me the most successful driver in F1 history. That will be both extremely interesting for me to learn from one of the best ever, as well as a really big challenge and motivation to beat Lewis and to show what I’m capable of,” F1 media quoted Leclerc as saying.
Hamilton, meanwhile, hasn’t really been vocal about what he expects from the Monegasque driver next season. But if we know anything about the Briton, it is that he is never the one to back down from a challenge.
