by Alex Johnston
A certain Lewis Hamilton made everyone talk with the news of his upcoming switch to every racing fan and driver's dream team - Scuderia Ferrari. The Brit starts with the Prancing Horse in 2025 and here are four drivers he 'probably' shouldn't take too many pointers from, for a lot of reasons.
Sebastian Vettel 2019-2020
A surprise name I know, but hear me out. From 2015 to 2018, Vettel was the Tifosi's sweetheart, hoping to follow in Michael Schumacher's well trodden Ferrari footsteps. Vettel was able to challenge for the 2017 and 2018 until certain flashpoints in the season. In all, he took 14 wins and 65 podiums for the team and cemented his status as a Scuderia hero.
However, over the 2019 and 2020 seasons the emergence of one Charles Leclerc, a poor 2020 car and poor form saw the four time world champion come under the spotlight and he was eventually let go, moving to Aston Martin. I think we can all agree he deserved a sweeter Scuderia send off.
Fernando Alonso 2010-2014
One of the most popular drivers in F1, probably ever, and a two time world champion: Fernando Alonso was destined for a Ferrari role sooner or later. That came in 2010 and for the most part he impressed. Another surprise name here but perhaps good reason for it.
The Spaniard took 11 wins and 34 wins, Alonso became a 'nearly man' for the Prancing Horse, finishing second in the world championship on three occasions, losing out to Vettel's Red Bull by four points in 2010 and an agonising three points in 2012. To come that close and not win an elusive third championship(and I'm still he still sees the rear end of Vitaliy Petrov's Renault in his nightmares) could Alonso's Scuderia stint be regarded a failure?
Robert Kubica 2012
One of F1's biggest ever 'what if' stories: what if Robert Kubica wasn't denied a Ferrari drive by cruel fate?
The Pole revealed he had signed a pre contract deal to join Ferrari for 2012 before his career hindering rally accident in 2011 saw him out of F1 until 2019. On his return his raced for Alfa Romeo and Williams but left F1, frustratingly, on 99 race starts. What could have been for Kubica?
Giancarlo Fisichella 2009
An Italian driver in an Italian car with an Italian engine? A match made in heaven? Not so much for 'Fisico' sadly.
The Italian made five appearances for the Maranello outfit, with a best finish of ninth, in place of injured Felipe Massa. The three time F1 race winner would have hoped for more.
Bonus: Luca Badoer 2009
Covering Massa's injury, Luca Badoer stepped in to race just twice for the Prancing Horse, and with good reason. He finished 17th in Valencia for the European GP and soared all the way up to 14th in his second race at Spa.
I almost don't want to say anything else...So I won't. At least he can he did it. Bravo, Luca.
📸 Image credits: Formula Motorsport Limited, Scuderia Ferrari, Sky Sports, Sauber Group.
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