Lewis Hamilton is embarking on a new adventure in Formula 1 next season. The record world champion is moving from Mercedes to Ferrari. Jean Todt has doubts as to whether the Briton can challenge for the world title with the Scuderia straight away.
“Other teams, such as Red Bull, currently have a better chance of winning the world championship,” Todt said, analyzing the situation in Formula 1 to “Sport Bild,” adding: “Even if Ferrari is generally doing better than it was in my time. When I started in 1993, we had to completely restructure the racing team. On a scale of one to ten, Ferrari was a five. Today, it’s much better. With Lewis, the team will be a nine out of ten.”
The question is whether a nine out of ten is enough “to be the decisive tenths faster”. “For a world championship title, everything has to be perfect,” stressed Todt.
The Frenchman enjoyed great success in Formula 1 as Ferrari team boss. Michael Schumacher won five world championship titles in a row with the traditional Italian racing team between 2000 and 2004. The Scuderia last won the drivers’ title in 2007 with Kimi Räikkönen. The last constructors’ world championship came in 2008.
“They were always contenders, but it never worked out. That’s because the last step is the most difficult. And for that to happen, everything has to be right,” said Todt, looking back on the recent dry spell.
Ferrari: New momentum with the arrival of Hamilton?
Those in charge in Maranello hope that Hamilton’s arrival will bring new momentum to the team. The 39-year-old is aiming for his eighth world championship title, setting the record ahead of Michael Schumacher.
“Ferrari has always had two very good drivers because every driver wants to wear the red overalls. With Lewis, they now have the most successful of all time alongside Michael,” said Todt, but at the same time reminded: “But we must not forget: when Michael came to us, it took four years before he won his first world championship title.”
Source: www.sport.de
