'Difficult for Hamilton to win 8th title but not impossible'

Be it Maranello's Fiorano circuit in January or London's O2 Arena last month, the loudest cheers were reserved for Lewis Hamilton, especially for turning up in red overalls.

- Sandip Sikdar

NEW DELHI:

The British racing driver joining Scuderia Ferrari at the ripe age of 40 is perhaps the most sensational piece of news that has come out from the Formula 1 paddock in the last decade or so. The most successful driver in history joining hands with the sport's most legendary brand was always going to give goosebumps to F1 aficionados.

But the big question is whether Hamilton will be able to deliver at Ferrari, win the 'Prancing Horse' their first drivers' title since 2007 and his eighth crown which will take him past Michael Schumacher's seven titles.

"It's going to be a very interesting year. The intention of FIA (international automobile federation) is to make F1 more competitive so that there is more overtaking so the fans can enjoy racing. What that means is that all cars and teams, in terms of lap times and competitiveness, could be closer constantly," Formula 1 legend and two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen said over a video call.