Ferrari puts rivals on alert with Hamilton warning

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna believes Lewis Hamilton is “back in the game”, in a warning shot to its F1 rivals.

After a difficult final three seasons with Mercedes, plagued by uncompetitive cars, Hamilton’s motivation has been called into question at times, with his age also a factor.

Hamilton recently turned 40 and is the second oldest driver on the grid behind 43-year-old Fernando Alonso, the two being the most experienced drivers in F1 history, with Hamilton 45 starts behind Alonso’s 401 heading into the new season.

As well as playing up Hamilton’s title-winning knowledge he will be bringing with him to Maranello, Vigna detailed that Hamilton is “back.”

“A man who has won seven titles can really transfer a lot, if I talk to Fred he emphasises his ability to give technical guidance but not only that,” Vigna told Corriere della Sera.

“He has a great desire for change, he’s not afraid. 

“At 40 years old he has put himself back into the game, he has embraced a different culture in so many ways, compared to the Anglo-Saxon one.”

Hamilton started the latest chapter of his F1 career with Ferrari on Monday when he visited the team’s factory at Maranello.

There was an intense day of introductions for Hamilton, who posed in front of his favourite supercar, an F40, to produce the headline image of his visit.

The Briton’s first test day is today [Wednesday} when he will be behind the wheel of Ferrari’s 2022 F1 car at Fiorano.