Lewis Hamilton smiled. Remembered back, said from the past. Again proved that he knows exactly what the Tifosi, the fans of Ferrari, likes to hear. “All these years,” said Formula 1 record world champion in Melbourne on Thursday, “I walked through the paddock and saw the red garage. And now? I am actually in this red garage. That is a nice feeling. ”After six years at McLaren, twelve seasons at Mercedes and a total of seven World Cup titles, the 40-year-old star of the scene will head for a Ferrari in the future. Hamilton’s declared goal is to become a world champion with the Titellosen Scuderia for 17 years and to rise to the sole record champion. “I look forward to it”, he could hardly wait to get started, said Hamilton, with his red T-shirt and red sneakers to the exhibited jeans, also completely set to his new employer. Already in February of last year he announced the change, which has stirred down the entire industry since then. “It took a long time until it was time. I look forward to getting into the car tomorrow, ”said Hamilton, smiling again:“ This is definitely the most exciting time of my life. I really enjoy it. ” However, he feels external content, said Hamilton, given the great vertebrae for his departure from Mercedes to Ferrari and the hopes of the Tifosi, no additional pressure. “The pressure that I am imposing myself has always been ten times higher than the one who is exercised on me,” said the 105-time Grand Prix winner. “Printing from the outside does not exist for me.” Verstappen: “Are not the fastest” marriage this Sunday (5:00 a.m. CET in the F.A.Z.-Live ticker for Formula 1 and at Sky) The season begins with the tour through Albert Park, the test drives are initially due on Friday, the first conclusions about the balance of power. Until then, it was “difficult to say”, where Ferrari is compared to the competition, explained Hamilton and did not lead to a declaration of war before the first Hatz of the year. “I hope that we are able to fight the top five,” he said and issued modest goals at short notice. “I just had three years that was not so spectacular,” he said about the past phase of driving in the Mercedes with just two wins in three seasons, “now it’s about having a better year.” “I know that we are not the fastest at the moment,” said the Red Bull driver from the Netherlands, whose Formula 1 career began in Australia ten years ago. His new company car with the type number RB21 is not considered a big throw. “We have to be patient,” said the 27 -year -old Verstappen. There are some things to improve, but that is only “step by step”. He would rather not ponder too much or think about the possible fifth World Cup title, but instead “work hard” and try to “tackle things that you don’t like in the car”. McLaren is the favorite in Melbourne with Lando Norris, the last year’s second, and Oscar Piatri, who only grew up from the race track for a quarter of an hour. Norris also expect the bookmakers the greatest chances of the World Cup title. Meanwhile, more about the topic of getting used to some time. So sooner or later it is his goal to win and bring the team forward. He also knew that he was able to do so. In the first few months, however, he had to get to know the team, understand the processes and take trust in the employees. “The respect is given,” said Hamilton, “trust, on the other hand, is something that will be built over time.” Domenicali remains managing directors in the start of the season in Australia before the start of the season in Australia has clarified a decisive personnel. The contract with managing director Stefano Domenicali was extended by five years until the end of 2029. The 59-year-old former Ferrari team boss has held the post since January 1, 2021. “Stefano has managed the company excellently, built up on the successful foundation and accelerated the growth of Formula 1 from an economic point of view and with regard to the commitment of fans,” said the managing director of Liberty Media, Derek Chang. The US company belongs to marketing rights in the motorsport king class. Domenicalis Energy and its enthusiasm for sport would be “in an extremely effective strategy and in results,” said Chang. The racing series has been experiencing a boom worldwide for some time, but especially in the USA and gained a large and, above all, younger audience. He love this sport, which has been part of his life since childhood, said Domenicali, who comes from the Italian Grand Prix location Imola. From 2008 to 2014 he was team leader of Ferrari. (dpa)
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