Ex-F1 driver on why joining Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc is a risk for Lewis Hamilton. Charles Leclerc could pose a threat to Lewis Hamilton's F1 career.

Lewis Hamilton needs to be cautious of Charles Leclerc after signing with Scuderia Ferrari, according to a former Formula 1 driver. The seven-time world champion’s move to Maranello could prove to be a dangerous move for the Englishman, according to Hans-Joachim Stuck. His new teammate, exceptionally fast and already experienced in the Italian environment, could turn out to be a formidable opponent.

The current excitement is finally subsiding, allowing room for rational discussion about the agreement between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari. A signing that promises spectacle, for sure, but also raises some very specific questions. In addition to putting the (right) pressure on the shoulders of the men from Maranello, the relationship with Charles Leclerc will also need to be evaluated.

According to Hans-Joachim Stuck, who raced in Formula 1 from 1974 to 1979, the Englishman is the one taking the greater risks: “Let’s suppose Charles Leclerc beats Lewis Hamilton: it would be an unfortunate way to end his career,” said the German to Eurosport. “The news [of Hamilton’s signing] surprised me, but it also reminded me that many have tried in the past.”

“Hamilton has a unique personality; I’m curious to see if he can navigate himself in the Ferrari environment. Everything works a bit differently in Maranello: he will have to prioritize the team. If you drive for Ferrari, you will go down in history, even more than winning seven world titles elsewhere. But Ferrari is Italy: you cannot have the overbearing personality that you can afford elsewhere.”

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Adapting to the Ferrari fervor is not a given for the Englishman. Various pressures are also imposed by the media: “They will uncover every little detail; there will be no secrets. It will be a totally different experience for Hamilton compared to his past.”

“Unlike Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton is no longer very young,” concludes Hans-Joachim Stuck. “Certainly, he can win his eighth title, but he might also fail. If he does, it would be a grand story, but he has a long and winding road ahead.”

Source: f1ingenerale