- Lewis Hamilton to join Ferrari next year as he prepares to leave Mercedes
- A former F1 star believes Michael Schumacher would love to see him at Ferrari
- He has also stated that Schumacher would like to see Hamilton win an eighth title.
Former F1 star Giancarlo Fisichella believes Michael Schumacher would be delighted to see Lewis Hamilton driving for Ferrari ahead of his move to the Italian giants next year.
Hamilton announced earlier this year that he will join Ferrari next season, ending his 11-year stay at Mercedes.
Schumacher won five world titles with Ferrari and is tied on seven championships with Hamilton, and the Briton believes he could surpass the German icon’s record in his old car.
Schumacher has not been seen in public since a serious skiing accident in December 2013, and Fisichella admits he has not spoken to him, but believes the 55-year-old would like to see Hamilton succeed at Ferrari.
“Surely Michael Schumacher would be happy to see Lewis Hamilton driving for Ferrari next year and winning the championship, why not?” Fisichella was quoted as saying. Yes.com.
Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes to join Ferrari at the end of the season
Giancarlo Fisichella believes Michael Schumacher would be delighted to see Hamilton driving for his former team
Fisichella (pictured) also believes Schumacher would be happy for Hamilton to surpass his record of seven world titles with the Italian giants.
‘I know Schumacher would have been a great team manager. I don’t know his condition because no one does, but I wish him the best and hope he can return soon.’
Fisichella drove for Ferrari in 2009 and took three wins during his 13-year F1 career.
Reflecting on what makes Ferrari special, he stated that they create a “family” atmosphere that allowed Schumacher to thrive.
Speaking about any advice Schumacher would give to Hamilton, Fisichella added: “I would just explain to him that it is a fantastic team.” It’s a bit different to the English teams in terms of atmosphere, it’s a bit more familiar. You will immediately feel part of the team.
“That’s very important when you come into a new team, to feel like part of the family right away.”
Fisichella seems optimistic about Hamilton’s chances at Ferrari, but they still have a lot of work to do if they are to catch current leader Red Bull.
They have dominated the first two races of the 2024 season, taking a double in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with Max Verstappen already emerging as the heavy favorite to secure a fourth consecutive world title.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz finished third in Bahrain, while Charles Leclerc took the final podium in Saudi Arabia, but it has been a difficult start to the season for Hamilton at Mercedes.
The 39-year-old failed to finish in the top six in the first two races, leaving Mercdes trying to catch up to his rivals.
