Lewis Hamilton on red alert with Ferrari

FAIRYTALE ENDING OR NIGHTMARE FINISH AWAITS AGEING ACE

- PHILIP DUNCAN

THE eyes of the sporting world will be on Lewis Hamilton when the lights go out for Sunday’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Hamilton will fulfil a lifelong ambition by starting his 19th Formula One campaign in the red of Ferrari, following a mouthwatering transfer from Mercedes which is set to earn him north of £100million.

However, with change comes pressure. Hamilton is widely considered F1’s greatest of all time. No driver boasts more victories or pole positions in the sport's 75-year history, his record tally of seven world championships is one he shares with Michael Schumacher, and he transcends the sport. But it is not hyperbole to suggest his legacy is on the line.

This move - which came to fruition after Hamilton grew weary with the once all-conquering Mercedes team - will go one of two ways.