But former star has backed Hamilton to show his true pace
FORMER Formula One star Arturio Merzario claims 90 per cent of Ferrari staff did not want Lewis Hamilton to join.
Merzario is famous as one of the drivers who pulled Niki Lauda from his burning car at the Nurburgring in 1976.
2
A former F1 star has claimed 90 per cent of Ferrari staff did not want Lewis Hamilton to joinCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
The Italian, 82, made his F1 debut for Ferrari and still has connections with the Maranello team.
And he believes signing the struggling seven-time world champ Hamilton was simply a “commercial operation” for Ferrari.
He said: “In my opinion, Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello was a commercial operation.
“From what I know, 90 per cent of the employees didn’t approve of this decision, and then, when the driver doesn’t feel valued or an integral part of the group, he loses motivation.
“Why go crazy trying to gain three-tenths of a second when you’re not going to get off the third row?”
Hamilton trails team-mate Charles Leclerc by 42 points in the driver’s standings and has still not stood on the podium in 14 races with Ferrari since his move.
Before the summer break, he tore himself apart after qualifying in 12th and finishing 12th at the Hungarian Grand Prix last time out.
He called himself “useless” and told Ferrari to “change driver” – but Merzario believes there is more to come from the British 40-year-old.
He added: “This isn’t over. He’s waiting for the right opportunity.
“He’s only going to take risks when necessary, not for eighth place.
“Also because if he wanted to leave, he’d find another team.
“Hamilton has already proven his worth, he’s not in Charles’s position, he has to prove he’s a champion.”
News
In an explosive statement, Lando Norris suggests Max Verstappen might have used unfair tactics to secure pole position at Monza, igniting controversy ahead of the race. Norris’ shocking accusation raises questions about the integrity of the sport, and Verstappen’s response has been closely awaited.
A Razor-Edge Battle: Max Verstappen vs Lando Norris – The 2025 Italian Grand Prix Qualifying Showdown Monza. The name alone…
“Max Verstappen Breaks F1 Record at Monza, McLaren Faces Urgent Championship Battle!” Max Verstappen has obliterated an F1 record in Monza, sending shockwaves through the grid. McLaren now finds itself under pressure, fighting to stay alive in the title race. Will they bounce back or succumb to Verstappen’s domination? The stakes are higher than ever before.
Max Verstappen Shatters F1 Records to Claim Pole at the Italian Grand Prix Amid McLaren’s Challenges Max Verstappen has set…
Lewis Hamilton will be concerned as Charles Leclerc told he’ll never by F1 champion!
Ferrari have yet to provide Charles Leclerc with a car capable of making him Formula 1 champion, though that has…
McLaren team politics spark controversy at Italian Grand Prix as Oscar Piastri is forced to give up place for world title rival team-mate Lando Norris – but Max Verstappen tops the podium at Monza
If Lando Norris goes on to clinch his first world title this year, he should send a cheque with plenty of noughts…
Max Verstappen slapped with deliberate F1 punishment amid Lewis Hamilton mind games!
One of the most infamous off-track moments during the fierce 2021 title rivals between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton came…
“Ferrari in Crisis After Hamilton’s Stunning Monza Revelation – What’s Behind the Shock?” Ferrari is facing a major crisis after Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected bombshell following the Monza Grand Prix. What exactly did Hamilton say to cause such a stir within the team? The F1 world is buzzing with speculation—don’t miss out on the full story and its aftermath!
The Beginning of a New Era or a Fatal Flaw? Lewis Hamilton’s Monza Debut Unveils Ferrari’s Deepest Challenges If you…
End of content
No more pages to load
