Paddy Lowe, former executive director of Mercedes F1, is convinced that Lewis Hamilton will be a huge asset to Ferrari next year. The engineer compares this arrival to that of Nigel Mansell at the end of the 1980s.
“I think he will bring a lot to the team and it will bring a lot to him” said the former engineer. “I congratulate them on hiring him and wish them both every success.”
“The last transfer I remember that was a bit similar was when Nigel went to Ferrari while I was at Williams. He was named ‘Il Leone’, and that was a great moment. remember the star he was there. He fought with that car to achieve incredible results.”
Two years later, Mansell returned to Williams, and Lowe recalls that it had a very positive effect on the team: “I remember Nigel came back, which was also a good moment. The whole factory perked up at the time of the announcement.”
“I think we could see the same effect with Ferrari. When you have a driver of Lewis’ caliber, an exceptional driver in every way, coming to work and driving your car – and I’m telling you that given the Nigel’s effect at Williams – it stimulates the team psychologically.”
“Lewis, there’s no denying it, is a phenomenon. On the one hand, you say to yourself, ‘Wow! He’s someone who’s going to maximize my work, who’s going to turn the neck of this car. He’s as quickly as possible.”
“On the other hand, everyone feels this tension and knows that we have to take on this challenge, seize this opportunity. People pull out their fingers (sic) when they understand that they are going to have one of the greatest drivers of all time in their car I think it all works in synergy.”
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