Hamilton feels 'at ease' as F1 legend forecasts victory.

      Lewis Hamilton is reportedly adjusting well to his Ferrari cockpit, as stated by the respected Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. Despite some speculation regarding his discomfort with the initial pedal setup and a minor incident in Barcelona while driving an older Maranello single-seater, adjustments made recently have reportedly allowed the seven-time world champion to feel "immediately more comfortable."

      Opinions among experts are divided on how the 40-year-old will perform this year, particularly given his difficulties with Mercedes at the onset of the current 'ground effect' regulations. Some suggest that both Ferrari and Hamilton may be primarily driven by financial incentives.

      "If Hamilton can win the championship with Ferrari, it would be the biggest marketing success in Formula 1," remarked F1 legend and former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport. However, Berger believes that the red cars are poised to excel this season. "I would wager on Ferrari this year," he said. "I can’t predict whether it will be Hamilton or Leclerc, or if it will be the drivers’ or constructors’ championship, but they will secure a title. That's my personal belief. Ferrari was nearly always fast last year, with only a few missteps," added Berger, who is 65. "I have confidence in Fred Vasseur to eliminate the inconsistency. It took some time, but I believe they're quite close."

      Berger also disagrees with opinions from figures like Flavio Briatore and Mattia Binotto, who think signing Hamilton and sidelining Carlos Sainz was a mistake by Ferrari. "It was a wise decision for Ferrari to sign him," he asserts. "I believe Hamilton needs this new motivation. Having spent so long with the same team, a change in environment was necessary for him.

      "For Hamilton, finishing fifth isn’t a result that inspires him, but he will fully commit at Ferrari and has the potential to return to his best form. However, I expect him to face challenges against Leclerc’s speed. It will be very close." Berger also thinks Frederic Vasseur is performing exceptionally well in leading the prestigious Italian team. "It was always clear that it would take a year or two for his efforts to bear fruit," he stated. "Now I sense that it's beginning to take off. I'm also pleased that he recruited Hamilton. Vasseur will elevate Ferrari back to the top."