Lewis Hamilton has wasted no time settling into life at Ferrari, and after his first outing within the group’s 2025 challenger on Wednesday at Fiorano, the seven-time world champion is extra assured than ever that he made the fitting transfer.
Whereas Hamilton started testing with the Scuderia on the wheel of older-spec automobiles two weeks in the past, the Briton sampled his 2025 mount throughout a restricted shakedown session, with teammate Charles Leclerc placing the very first laps on the group’s new SF-25.
Talking with the media after his run, Hamilton shared how his new chapter with the Home of Maranello looks like the proper match.
“I haven’t got the slightest doubt or query in my head,” he mentioned.
“I am in the fitting place on the proper time and it is an amazing privilege to be right here, to hitch this group and to work with everybody to attempt to construct and proceed the nice historic custom of this group.”
Dwelling the Ferrari Dream
Hamilton’s ardour for Ferrari has been clear since his transfer was introduced, and now he’s immersing himself absolutely into the group’s iconic tradition.
The Brit has even been residing out of his motorhome at Ferrari’s Maranello base, embracing the Italian squad’s distinctive ethos and camaraderie.
“On daily basis has been thrilling,” Hamilton enthused. “Even final night time, strolling on that stage [at the F1 75 livery event] wearing pink was one thing completely new for me.
“To have the ability to meet and expertise the followers is one thing very totally different doing it as an opponent or doing it as a Ferrari driver.
“To start a journey along with them and the group is one thing that left me speechless.”
©Ferrari
The emotional connection to Ferrari is one thing Hamilton doesn’t take evenly. As a toddler, he dreamed of someday driving for the legendary group, and he admitted that the expertise nonetheless feels surreal.
“It has an unimaginable historical past with this group, and as a child it was a dream for me to have the ability to race for Ferrari, and I nonetheless pinch myself to have the ability to imagine that it is actually occurring. I’ve so many expectations,” he admitted.
‘All of the Elements to Win’
Hamilton’s first run within the 2025 automobile has solely strengthened his perception in Ferrari’s potential to return to championship-winning type. His early impressions of the group’s unified strategy and singular ardour left him completely impressed.
“Ferrari may be very totally different. From the second you placed on the go well with and enter the storage, placed on the helmet and enter the cockpit, you are feeling that unimaginable ardour,” he defined.
“From seeing the fervour, every thing beneath one roof, which I’ve by no means skilled earlier than, this group has completely each ingredient to win.
“However we’re additionally conscious we’ve to proceed to work. We’ve got to enhance and elevate in every single place—not in every single place however in sure areas—and I’ve little doubt that we are able to do this.
“I’ve genuinely beloved every single day I’ve been right here. It is a spot you genuinely do not actually wish to go away within the day. Every thing’s right here. Even my motorhome is right here so I do not ever go away!”
Teaming Up with Leclerc
Hamilton will share the storage with Charles Leclerc, who welcomed the veteran’s arrival and praised the impression Hamilton has already made.
“Lewis becoming a member of the group has been a giant enhance and has been wonderful in so many areas,” Leclerc mentioned.
“We had a superb automobile but it surely wanted extra efficiency, and that’s the place we targeted on this automobile. We targeted on small issues in each space.”
Acknowledging the problem forward, Hamilton was filled with respect for his new teammate, who has been with the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2016.
“Charles may be very embedded on this group. He’s very quick, and I’m utterly conscious of that,” Hamilton mentioned.
“It isn’t going to be simple to beat him, however we are going to work collectively and have some nice races, I hope.”
Hamilton’s infectious power and perception in Ferrari’s potential mark a brand new chapter in his storied profession.
With the Scuderia decided to reclaim its place on the prime of Components 1, the 40-year-old’s arrival represents a pivotal second for the group.
Whether or not this partnership results in an eighth world championship for Hamilton stays to be seen, however one factor is obvious – his ardour for Ferrari is burning vivid, and he’s prepared to provide every thing in his pursuit of glory with the Prancing Horse.
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