My point was Hamilton may be able to help change the team culture. Ferrari are in part influenced by emotion. I say that knowing the Italian culture having lived and worked in Italy for nearly 4 years during my career, albeit not with Ferrari. But with that emotion also comes pride. If I look at Alonso and his time at Ferrari, he grew frustrated. Vettel too became frustrated. Hamilton is past his best but he can still have race wins with the right car. I also wonder what Lewis might do when he hangs up his driving gloves. Does he want to become part of a team as Nikki Lauda did later in his life. He might but I am doubtful. AI should offer some interesting outcomes, but I don't see that unique to Ferrari just because of the HP sponsorship although they do have IBM as well. IBM are perceived to be generating a resurgence in their fortunes with their AI computing capability. Having spent 44 years in total working for both companies I suspect IBM might be better qualified. Meanwhile I am enjoying the rivalry between Norris and Piastri. Thankfully McLaren are allowing them to race.
Thanks, I see what you’re hoping for, but I guess I don’t see it as likely as being initially emotional is probably also a Hamilton characteristic/tendency. Ironically Sainz is probably the recent Ferrari driver who would be most apposite to counter that natural Ferrari trait. However outside of the race, I’m not convinced drivers have much effect on team culture and it could well be that them being a good fit for a team culture is much more important. I agree with you on how Ferrari need to change, but I think it’s Fred who’s key to that and he does seem to have the right kind of natural tendencies. Personally I’m not hugely impressed by his Ferrari stint so far, but Ferrari have just renewed his contract and you’d hope they know a lot that I don’t and so maybe signs are good behind the scenes. Conversely it will be interesting to watch how Binotto, who sometimes seemed a bit too Ferrari-like for Ferrari will get on at a Swiss based Audi born out of Sauber as that seems like an odd fit and he’s obviously travelled in the opposite direction to Fred. In his case though early signs are good, so maybe in his case it’s that the team’s culture brings out the best in him. I’m also looking forward to seeing who comes out on top at McLaren, although I am hoping a fight actually breaks out, because it’s all been a bit “phony war” so far. A consequence of too many GP per season devaluing each I fear.
Couple of observations, not in any order. I fully agree that the increase in the number of races takes the need to win early less urgent. Had Lando been patient and not have collided with wall trying to find a way past Piastri he would be leading. Whereas fewer races would have meant he could not throw those points away. If you have faith in Fred you have have support for his decision to bring Hamilton in. I was a supporter of Sainz, still am. I have said Hamilton certainly seems past his prime but his influence maybe working on Fred, who the team have to listen too. I was sad to see Danny failing in F1 but he was another late braker. I wonder if we might see him again if next years cars are going to have bigger brakes.
