Lewis Hamilton faces a baptism of fire at Maranello (Image: Getty)
Two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has told that he ‘has to speak’ if he believes that he is losing his speed. The legendary Brit arrives at off the back of the most challenging season of his career thus far.
For Hamilton, 2024 was a challenging year. The seven-time world champion experienced extreme highs, ending his race-win drought with a record-breaking ninth British Grand Prix victory. He secured another triumph two races later after was disqualified in Spa.
However, the lows were also extreme. Hamilton was outqualified 19-5 by Russell throughout the season, and while his race pace was still mighty, miserable qualifying results often left him with too much to do on Sundays.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The Brit ended the campaign seventh in the Drivers’ Championship standings, marking his lowest-ever career finish.
Offering his thoughts on the Brit’s struggles, Hakkinen told : “Well, I tell you what, I retired in 2001 and, in that year 2001, I started losing my edge. Sometimes, I was very quick. Sometimes I wasn’t there.
“I lost two or three-tenths, and those two or three-tenths are a big, big problem. So, at that time, I decided to tell the team that. ‘Thank you, this has been an incredible experience and the journey of my career and my life in Formula One, but now, for me, it’s time to step out’.
Don’t miss…
Mika Hakkinen has offered his advice to Lewis Hamilton (Image: Getty)
“It was a very big decision. But that was me. What’s happening with Lewis is impossible to comment on what’s happening in his mind and, on what’s happening at the moment, why the performance is not there 100 per cent. I’m not the right person to answer for that – it’s Lewis, but that was my story.”
Hakkinen added: “If something similar has happened to him, he has to speak. He’s the right person to answer that, but he has committed now for the future. So, I’m sure he will work on it to get things right for this year.”
Hamilton faces a daunting first season with the Italian constructor as he prepares to take on the formidable Charles Leclerc. Fortunately, he will receive plenty of behind-closed-doors testing to get him up and running.
According to a report from , Hamilton will enjoy his first on-track action for on January 20th or 21st. Fred Vasseur’s team reportedly plan to use their entire 1,000km TPC allocation on their new recruit in January, giving the 39-year-old the best possible start to life in Maranello.