Lewis Hamilton is generating significant interest in the Formula 1 world, especially after leaving Mercedes, the team he joined in 2013. One of the most authoritative voices in the sport, Gerhard Berger, a former Ferrari driver and winner of several major awards, has been sharing his thoughts on the latest developments.
The Austrian leader expressed his delight with the conclusion of the last championship, noting that the emotion and unpredictability it generated were a welcome change from previous years. “It was quite good because the mastery of a team is finally finished. We had already experienced quite frequently. Ferrari with Schumacher, Mercedes with Hamilton, Red Bull with Verstappen. Everything revolved around a single man and that is precisely what sport does not need,” Berger said. He emphasized his preference for variety and competition, citing MotoGP as an example, where the outcome is often uncertain until the very end.
Berger also praised Max Verstappen, calling him the best pilot and noting that he has been able to overcome difficult situations. However, he also suggested that Verstappen’s performance would be put to the test if Red Bull were to return to its previous level of competitiveness.
Regarding the possibility of Sergio Checo Pérez being replaced by Carlos Sainz in Red Bull Racing, Berger expressed his opinion that Sainz would have been a good choice. He also mentioned that he was impressed by Liam Lawson’s performance in the DTM and thought that he could be a good fit for the team.
The executive also shared his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s signing with Ferrari, saying that if Hamilton were to become world champion with the team, it would be the biggest marketing event in the history of Formula 1.
Berger is optimistic about Ferrari’s chances this season, stating that he would bet on the team to win a title. He praised Fred Vasseur, the team’s principal, for his work and expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. “I trust that Fred Vasseur can eliminate this volatility. He took them for a while, but I think they are quite close. They are well positioned in engine and chassis and have first-level pilots. Vasseur causes me a good impression. It is quiet, reflective, always accurate and fulfills,” Berger said.