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Why would a lack of knowledge of the Old Testament weaken our understanding of the New Testament?
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Because the OT is foundation and we are unable to build or fully understand why Jesus came to redeem mankind.
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The authors and people of the New Testament only knew the Old Testament. Their faith and character came from knowing the God of the OT and the laws He had given them. If the people of the NT followed and relied on writings of the OT, we, too, must be knowledgeable in those same scriptures. It is our foundation, as well! Without our knowledge of the OT, our foundation is weakened and likely to fall.
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Together, both the Old and New Testaments reveal to us about who God is and how He interacts with mankind. Together they give us a fuller picture of the ways of God and plans for mankind.
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If you have not read the Old Testament, you will have no clue as to why the Father does things the way that he does. The New Testament would seem like you are reading about something new and disconnected from the oldest members of the Christian congregation meaning all of the Nation of Israel and the Tribe of Judah.
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The Old Testament is referred to in the New Testament by Jesus and others. If we lack the knowledge of what is being said in these references, they are less influential to what is being spoken. Also, there are so many prophecies in the Old that come to life in the New.