Lewis Hamilton’s start at Ferrari has been turbulent so far. The tifosi, in particular, had hoped for more than the current ninth place in the drivers’ championship for the world champion. According to former team boss Günther Steiner, Hamilton’s star status can sometimes be a disadvantage for Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton is experiencing a season start full of ups and downs at Ferrari. The Brit won his very first sprint race in Shanghai, but suffered a disqualification just a day later. During the opening race in Melbourne, Hamilton only scored one point, leaving the seven-time world champion currently in ninth place in the drivers’ championship.
According to former team boss Günther Steiner, it is only logical that Hamilton’s messy start at Ferrari is under such scrutiny. “I don’t think Ferrari is desperate, but they just want to do a good job and have made a few mistakes,” Steiner reflects in the Red Flags podcast. “The pressure is very high. As soon as Hamilton does anything, he is in the spotlight.”
Hamilton the Star
Steiner explains how this can sometimes be detrimental to both Hamilton and Ferrari. “That can sometimes be cruel. But it’s Lewis Hamilton. I think Ferrari knew what they were getting into when they hired him. You attract attention with that.” The former team boss of Haas also sees a stark contrast with Hamilton’s old racing stable, Mercedes. “Mercedes is doing a great job this year. Of course, they’re not beating McLaren, but no one is talking about them. It’s Lewis who demands attention, he’s a star.”
