How Lewis Hamilton’s action in Ferrari pit box reminds Karun Chandhok of Michael Schumacher

Lewis Hamilton Continues to Steal the Spotlight at Bahrain Test with Historic Ferrari Move

Lewis Hamilton remains the focal point of the 2025 F1 Bahrain testing, generating more buzz than any other driver on the grid. Even before the first session began, photographers gathered outside the Ferrari garage, eager to capture their first glimpse of the seven-time world champion as he participated in an official F1 session for his new team.

Karun Chandhok described the excitement surrounding Hamilton as “unreal,” especially following what many consider to be the most significant driver transfer in F1 history. If the move proves successful, it could maintain this level of hype throughout the season, much to the chagrin of Hamilton’s rivals. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, aware of the intense media attention, aimed to manage the fanfare around Hamilton’s arrival, allowing him and his engineers to concentrate on the crucial task of adapting to the car.

While Lewis Hamilton draws massive attention, other drivers like Lando Norris are expected to experience less media scrutiny. Lando Norris, often regarded as a title contender after McLaren’s dominant run in the constructors’ championship, will benefit from the spotlight shifting to Hamilton and his highly anticipated Ferrari journey.

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari makes him the first world champion to join the Scuderia since Sebastian Vettel, who won four titles with Red Bull before moving to Maranello. However, the comparison most frequently drawn is to Michael Schumacher’s iconic 1996 switch to Ferrari, a move that redefined the sport.

The Significance of Lewis Hamilton’s Move: Karun Chandhok Draws Parallels to Schumacher

Lewis Hamilton’s pursuit of a record-breaking eighth world title brings him ever closer to Michael Schumacher’s legacy, as both drivers are tied at seven championships. Achieving that historic eighth title in Ferrari’s iconic scarlet red would carry tremendous symbolic weight.

During the testing session, the British driver was seen conversing with Ferrari chairman John Elkann in the garage. The Indian former racing driver and broadcaster noted that John Elkann’s presence at the paddock emphasized just how significant Lewis Hamilton’s signing is for Ferrari. This moment, according to the F1 broadcaster, reminded him of the 1996 scenes when Schumacher first joined Ferrari, with team leaders at the time acknowledging the far-reaching impact of his arrival. The parallels between these two legendary moves are hard to ignore, as both drivers aim to write their own chapters of history with the Scuderia. When the move was announced a year ago, the company saw a significant spike in its share prices. Although Hamilton celebrated his 40th birthday last month, his first contract with Ferrari could keep him with the team for the next three years.

During the coverage of testing at the Bahrain circuit, Karun Chandhok remarked that Hamilton’s signing reminded him of when Ferrari last signed a world champion megastar, Michael Schumacher. He recalled that at the time, John Elkann’s uncle, Gianni Agnelli, was present in the pitlane alongside Luca di Montezemolo, watching the major asset they had brought to the team. The former Formula 1 driver emphasized that this moment highlighted the significance and importance of signing Lewis Hamilton for the Ferrari group.

Ted Kravitz Observes Rare Ferrari Moment as John Elkann Attends Testing

Ted Kravitz, a colleague of Karun Chandhok, pointed out a rare occurrence at Ferrari during the pre-season testing session—the surprise attendance of Ferrari chairman John Elkann. It’s unusual for Elkann to appear at regular races, as he typically only attends select events throughout the season. His presence at testing, however, underlined the significance of the moment for Ferrari and its newly signed star, Lewis Hamilton.

Chandhok also noted that Hamilton appeared to settle into the Ferrari with ease, which is sure to reassure Elkann. As a 105-time race winner, Hamilton is naturally far more costly than his teammate Carlos Sainz, and with such a significant financial investment, Ferrari will undoubtedly expect a substantial return on that investment.

Lewis Hamilton’s High-Earning Deal and Ferrari’s Championship Push

Hamilton is reportedly earning £39 million annually with Ferrari, though his total compensation could skyrocket to as much as £83 million, depending on performance-related bonuses. Given Ferrari’s near-miss in the constructors’ championship last season—falling short by just 14 points—Hamilton’s signing is viewed as a crucial step in the team’s efforts to secure both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles. The added pressure for Hamilton to deliver results is immense, but his proven pedigree offers Ferrari the best chance to finally reclaim their spot at the top of Formula 1.

By signing the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Ferrari is clearly aiming to close the gap to Red Bull, and the Italian team’s investment in the world champion reflects their commitment to winning. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Hamilton’s ability to lead Ferrari back to championship glory.