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Lewis Hamilton is currently gearing up for his second season as a Ferrari F1 driver, and Christian Danner still has some qualms over the amount of input that the seven-time world champion has over the Scuderia’s development.
After a first season with Ferrari that fell a long way short of the expectations that the tifosi had for their new star driver, Lewis Hamilton is eyeing a chance at redemption as the new F1 regulations threaten to shake up the grid.
The basis of Hamilton’s woes with Ferrari last season was thought to be down to the SF-25 favouring Charles Leclerc’s driving style, given that he had spent the entirety of the ground-effect era trying to develop a championship-winning car for himself.
However, a title never came, and the drought for fans of the Prancing Horse turned one year older. But early forecasts from pre-season testing indicate that Ferrari will be among the frontrunners from the very first race of the year.
Hamilton is understood to have played a big part in development at Maranello over the winter break, but that hasn’t stopped one pundit from questioning the seven-time world champion’s influence at the team.
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Christian Danner shares his scepticism about Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari this year
During an appearance on the Motorsport Magazin podcast, former F1 driver Christian Danner touched upon Ferrari’s chances in the upcoming season of racing.
The German highlighted how encouraging it is to see Ferrari staff so optimistic, but raised concerns over Hamilton’s input into the development of the SF-26.
He said, “It’s wonderful to see how this team always goes into the season with such enthusiasm. And I really wish they had the car to match.
“With Leclerc, they definitely have the right driver, but to what extent Lewis, who claims to have had such a clear influence on the car that his DNA is now in it.”
Danner also noted Hamilton’s global reach, pinpointing how a successful season for the F1 legend will mean only good things for the overall sport.
He added, “If that’s the case, which I can’t imagine, then I’m incredibly happy, because a successful Lewis Hamilton is good for everyone. And I think that would also be great for Formula 1, of course, if Ferrari and Hamilton win.
“I’m sceptical about that at the moment, but my positive wishes are definitely there. So it’s not that I’m saying he’ll never amount to anything and should stay at home. No.
“I’m not someone who judges other drivers or says they’ll never amount to anything and should stay at home because they’re too old. No, everyone who drives there is incredibly good and deserves the chance to get the equipment right so that it works.”
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Many F1 paddock figures think Lewis Hamilton will be back to his very best this season
While it’s impossible to predict how well Hamilton truly will be this season, many figures within the F1 paddock have shared their optimism for the 41-year-old’s hopes.
Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft backs Hamilton to beat Leclerc in the Ferrari teammate battle this year, using the argument that his feedback in development will have allowed engineers to cater to his driving style.
Colleague Martin Brundle is also under the impression that Hamilton will be in top form this year.
He noted how the 104-time Grand Prix winner will benefit from Ferrari’s innovative design philosophy for the upcoming year to thrive in the Italian machinery.
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