Lewis Hamilton’s New Chapter with Ferrari: A British Legacy Revisited
In 2025, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, is set to embark on a new epic with Ferrari. This marks the third chapter of his illustrious career and the first time a Briton has held a seat in the legendary Scuderia as 1999. As Hamilton prepares to write his own story, it’s worth revisiting the history of British drivers at Ferrari—a tale that is both sparse and fascinating.
The British-Ferrari Connection: A Rare Legacy
Table of Contents
The relationship between Grate Britain and Ferrari has been anything but prolific. Since 1950, only 11 British drivers have donned the iconic red overalls, with some making only fleeting appearances. As Hamilton gears up to join this exclusive club, let’s take a closer look at the British drivers who paved the way.
Mike Hawthorn (1953-55 & 57-58)
Mike Hawthorn’s career in Formula 1 was short but impactful. In his debut season in 1953, he clinched a memorable victory at the French Grand Prix in Reims, narrowly edging out the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio. Known for his distinctive bow tie, Hawthorn earned the nickname “the butterfly” and remains one of the most iconic British drivers to have raced for Ferrari.
A New Era for Hamilton and Ferrari
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is more than just a career shift—it’s a chance to redefine his legacy. At 40, he joins the Scuderia at a time when many would consider his career in its twilight. Yet, as Ferrari offers Sir Lewis Hamilton a chance to write the final, perhaps most dazzling chapter of his career, the stage is set for a historic run.
The 2025 Season: What to Expect
The 2025 Formula 1 season promises to be one of the most exciting yet,with all 24 grand Prix events broadcast exclusively on Canal+ channels starting March 16,2025. As Hamilton takes to the track in his new Ferrari, fans worldwide will be watching closely to see if he can add another chapter to his already storied career.
Key British Drivers at Ferrari
| Driver | Years Active | Notable Achievements |
|——————|————–|——————————————|
| Mike Hawthorn | 1953-55, 57-58 | Won the 1953 French Grand Prix |
| Lewis Hamilton | 2025-Present | Seven-time World Champion (as of 2025) |
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari is not just a personal milestone but a moment of pride for British motorsport. As he prepares to take the wheel of the iconic red car, the legacy of British drivers at Ferrari continues to evolve.
stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling season, and don’t miss a moment of the action as hamilton writes the next chapter of his extraordinary career.
The Tragic Tales of Formula 1’s Golden Era: From Peter Collins to John Surtees
The 1950s and 1960s were a golden yet perilous era in Formula 1, marked by extraordinary talent, fierce rivalries, and heartbreaking tragedies. From the untimely death of Peter Collins to the unparalleled achievements of John Surtees, this period shaped the sport’s legacy. Here’s a deep dive into the stories of these iconic drivers.
Peter Collins: A Rising Star Cut Short
Peter Collins, a British racing prodigy, made his mark with Ferrari in 1956, winning his first two Grands Prix in Belgium and France. That year, he had a chance to claim the world championship but chose to hand over his car to teammate Juan Manuel Fangio during the final race, showcasing his sportsmanship.
Collins continued to shine, securing podiums in 1957 and winning the British Grand Prix in 1958. Tragically, this victory would be his last. At just 26, Collins lost his life at the Nürburgring after being ejected from his car during a crash. He struck a tree and succumbed to his injuries hours later, leaving the racing world in mourning.
Tony Brooks: The Racing Dentist
Following the deaths of Collins and Mike Hawthorn, Tony Brooks emerged as a standout driver for ferrari in 1959. Known as the “racing dentist” due to his studies in dentistry, Brooks won the French and German Grands Prix that year. He battled fiercely for the championship against Stirling Moss and Jack Brabham, but a fuel failure in the final round at Sebring cost him the title.
Cliff Allison: A Career Marred by Injury
Cliff Allison began his F1 journey with Lotus in 1958,earning points with a fourth-place finish at the Belgian Grand Prix. After joining Ferrari in 1959, he achieved his best result with a fifth place in Monza. In 1960, Allison impressed with a second-place finish in Argentina but suffered a severe injury during testing in Monaco, prematurely ending his season and career.
John Surtees: A Legend on Two and Four Wheels
John Surtees remains the only person to have won world championships on both motorcycles and in Formula 1. A seven-time motorcycle world champion between 1956 and 1960, Surtees transitioned to F1 and joined Ferrari in 1963. He clinched the world championship in 1964,cementing his place in motorsport history.
Key moments in F1’s Golden Era
| Driver | Key Achievements | Tragic Events |
|——————-|————————————————————————————-|———————————————————————————-|
| Peter Collins | Won Belgian and French GPs (1956), British GP (1958) | Died at Nürburgring in 1958 |
| Tony Brooks | Won French and German GPs (1959) | Lost championship due to fuel failure in Sebring |
| Cliff allison | Fourth in Belgian GP (1958), second in Argentina GP (1960) | Severely injured in Monaco testing (1960) |
| John Surtees | Seven-time motorcycle world champion, F1 world champion (1964) | N/A |
The Legacy of Ferrari’s Golden Era
The 1950s and 1960s were a transformative period for Ferrari, with drivers like Collins, Brooks, Allison, and Surtees leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Their stories of triumph and tragedy remind us of the risks and rewards that define Formula 1.
For more on the evolution of F1,check out the 2025 season grid and see how the sport continues to honor its past while racing into the future.
—
What do you think of these legendary drivers? Share yoru thoughts and join the conversation below!
The Untold Stories of Ferrari’s Forgotten Heroes
In the golden era of Formula 1,Ferrari’s legacy was shaped not only by its iconic cars but also by the drivers who,though often overlooked,played pivotal roles in the Scuderia’s history. From John Surtees’ dramatic exit to Mike Parkes’ tragic fate and Jonathan Williams’ fleeting moment in the spotlight, these stories reveal the human side of Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of glory.
John Surtees: A Champion’s Fallout
John Surtees, the only man to win world championships on both two and four wheels, had a tumultuous relationship with Ferrari. After a serious injury in 1965, Surtees made a remarkable comeback, winning his fifth Grand Prix with the Scuderia at spa. However, despite his resilience, he fell short of the title, losing out to Jack brabham.
the tension between Surtees and Ferrari’s team manager, Eugenio Dragoni, reached a breaking point. “Surtees left ferrari in the middle of the season as of his disagreements with the team manager,” a decision that marked the end of an era for the British driver. His departure left a void that Ferrari struggled to fill.
mike Parkes: The Rising Star Cut Short
Mike Parkes’ journey with Ferrari was brief but impactful.Between 1966 and 1967, Parkes competed in six F1 Grands Prix for the Scuderia, stepping in to replace Surtees, who had moved to Cooper. In his debut race at Reims, Parkes secured an notable second place, showcasing his potential.
Beyond F1, Parkes was a key figure in Ferrari’s sports car division. After his stint in Formula 1, he returned to sports car racing in the 1970s. tragically, his career and life were cut short in a road accident at the end of the decade, leaving behind a legacy of what could have been.
jonathan Williams: A Fleeting Moment in the Spotlight
Jonathan Williams’ time with Ferrari was even more fleeting. In 1967, Williams briefly raced in F1 for the Scuderia following the tragic death of Lorenzo Bandini. Though his tenure was short, it highlighted the unpredictable nature of motorsport, were opportunities often arise from heartbreak.
| Driver | Years with Ferrari | Key Achievements |
|———————|————————|——————————————|
| John Surtees | 1963-1966 | 5 GP wins, 1964 World Champion |
| Mike Parkes | 1966-1967 | 2nd place at reims, sports car success |
| Jonathan Williams | 1967 | Brief F1 stint after Bandini’s death |
These drivers, though not always in the limelight, were integral to Ferrari’s story. Their triumphs and tragedies remind us that behind every championship and every victory, there are human struggles and sacrifices.
As we reflect on Ferrari’s rich history, let’s not forget these unsung heroes who, in their own ways, contributed to the legend of the Prancing Horse. For more on Ferrari’s legacy, explore their official history page.
What do you think about these forgotten figures in Ferrari’s history? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
British Drivers in Ferrari: A Legacy of Triumphs and Trials
Ferrari, one of the most iconic names in motorsport, has seen its fair share of British drivers over the years. While some left an indelible mark, others had fleeting moments in the scarlet car. From derek Bell’s brief stint to Oliver Bearman’s recent rise, here’s a look at how these drivers fared with the Scuderia.
Derek Bell (1968)
Derek Bell is a legend in motorsport, with five victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and three at the 24 Hours of Daytona. However, his Formula 1 career was far less illustrious. With only nine career starts, Bell’s time at Ferrari in 1968 was short-lived. Both of his races for the team ended in retirements. His sporadic appearances with McLaren,Surtees,and Tecno yielded just one points finish,achieved with Surtees in the United States.
Nigel Mansell (1989-90)
Nigel Mansell arrived at Ferrari in 1989 with high hopes. Already a seasoned F1 driver with victories at Lotus and williams, Mansell aimed to secure his first world title with the Scuderia. His tenure began promisingly with a win in Brazil, but he struggled to replicate that success. After a challenging second season alongside Alain Prost in 1990, Mansell returned to Williams, where he finally clinched the world championship in 1992.
Eddie Irvine (1996-99)
Eddie Irvine joined Ferrari in 1996, partnering with Michael Schumacher to help rebuild the team. His role became pivotal in 1999 when Schumacher suffered an injury. Irvine stepped up, securing his first four F1 victories and leading the team. despite his efforts,he narrowly lost the championship to Mika Häkkinen by just two points. However, his contributions were instrumental in Ferrari winning its first constructors’ title since 1983.
Oliver Bearman (2024)
The latest British driver to pilot a Ferrari is Oliver Bearman. The young reserve driver was called up for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2024,replacing Carlos Sainz,who was sidelined with appendicitis. Bearman impressed the paddock,finishing seventh after starting 11th. His performance not only showcased his talent but also marked him as a rising star in Formula 1. Bearman has since been confirmed as a full-time driver for Haas in 2025.
| Driver | Years at Ferrari | Key Achievements |
|———————|———————-|————————————————————————————-|
| Derek Bell | 1968 | One points finish with Surtees in the US |
| Nigel Mansell | 1989-90 | Victory in Brazil, returned to Williams to win the 1992 title |
| eddie Irvine | 1996-99 | Four wins in 1999, narrowly missed championship, helped Ferrari win constructors’ title |
| oliver Bearman | 2024 | Impressive seventh-place finish in Saudi Arabia |
Conclusion
British drivers have had a mixed history with Ferrari. while some, like Eddie Irvine, played crucial roles in the team’s success, others, like Derek Bell, found greater acclaim outside of Formula 1. Oliver Bearman’s recent performance suggests a shining future, proving that the legacy of British talent at Ferrari continues to evolve.
For more updates on motorsport, tune in to Live mechanical sports on MyCanal.
British Drivers in Ferrari: A Legacy of Triumphs and Trials
Ferrari, one of the most iconic names in motorsport, has seen its fair share of British drivers over the years. While some left an indelible mark, others had fleeting moments in the scarlet car. From derek Bell’s brief stint to Oliver Bearman’s recent rise, here’s a look at how thes drivers fared with the Scuderia.
Derek Bell (1968)
derek Bell is a legend in motorsport,with five victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and three at the 24 Hours of Daytona. However, his Formula 1 career was far less illustrious. With only nine career starts, Bell’s time at Ferrari in 1968 was short-lived. Both of his races for the team ended in retirements.His sporadic appearances with McLaren, Surtees, and Tecno yielded just one points finish, achieved with Surtees in the United States.
Nigel Mansell (1989-90)
Nigel Mansell arrived at Ferrari in 1989 with high hopes. Already a seasoned F1 driver with victories at Lotus and Williams, Mansell aimed to secure his first world title with the Scuderia.His tenure began promisingly with a win in Brazil, but he struggled to replicate that success. After a challenging second season alongside Alain Prost in 1990, Mansell returned to Williams, where he finally clinched the world championship in 1992.
Eddie irvine (1996-99)
Eddie irvine joined Ferrari in 1996, partnering with michael Schumacher to help rebuild the team. His role became pivotal in 1999 when Schumacher suffered an injury. Irvine stepped up, securing his first four F1 victories and leading the team. Despite his efforts, he narrowly lost the championship to Mika Häkkinen by just two points. However, his contributions were instrumental in Ferrari winning its first constructors’ title since 1983.
Oliver Bearman (2024)
The latest British driver to pilot a ferrari is Oliver Bearman. The young reserve driver was called up for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2024, replacing Carlos Sainz, who was sidelined with appendicitis. Bearman impressed the paddock, finishing seventh after starting 11th. His performance not only showcased his talent but also marked him as a rising star in Formula 1.Bearman has since been confirmed as a full-time driver for Haas in 2025.
| Driver | Years at Ferrari | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Derek Bell | 1968 | One points finish with Surtees in the US |
| Nigel Mansell | 1989-90 | Victory in Brazil, returned to Williams to win the 1992 title |
| Eddie Irvine | 1996-99 | Four wins in 1999, narrowly missed championship, helped Ferrari win constructors’ title |
| Oliver Bearman | 2024 | Notable seventh-place finish in Saudi Arabia |
Conclusion
British drivers have had a mixed history with Ferrari. While some, like Eddie Irvine, played crucial roles in the team’s success, others, like Derek Bell, found greater acclaim outside of Formula 1. Oliver Bearman’s recent performance suggests a shining future, proving that the legacy of British talent at Ferrari continues to evolve.
For more updates on motorsport,tune in to live mechanical sports on MyCanal.
