Former Formula 1 driver Riccardo Patrese believes in a comeback for Lewis Hamilton. The British world champion made his Ferrari debut this year, but had a disappointing first year with the Scuderia, failing to reach the podium in any Grand Prix. However, Patrese remains a fan of the Brit and even makes a bold statement: ‘Lewis should already have eight world championships’.
Riccardo Patrese himself raced in Formula 1 between 1977 and 1993, and claimed victory in six Grand Prix during his time. The Italian now closely follows the developments of the likewise Italian racing team Ferrari, particularly those surrounding driver Lewis Hamilton. The Brit did not achieve any podium finishes in his debut year for the Scuderia, leading some to question whether the seven-time world champion has already seen his best years.
According to Patrese, however, Hamilton can certainly return to the top. “You have to give someone like Lewis Hamilton a competitive car, otherwise it all falls apart,” the former driver explains to Quotidiano Nazionale. “Put Lewis in a Ferrari that is at least almost as fast as the strongest team and you will see that he can and will still fight for it.”
Abu Dhabi 2021
The Italian even goes a step further and suggests that with the right car, Hamilton can still compete for his eighth world title. “He has broken all records in F1. He managed to win seven world championships.” Patrese then makes a bold statement: “That should have been eight already, because everyone knows that his eighth was taken from him in Abu Dhabi in 2021.” Here’s more on the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
