Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has embarked on a new journey with Ferrari, hoping to secure an eighth world title. He has already driven the 2023 and 2024 Ferrari cars in short tests and recently experienced the 2025 model, which will soon head to Bahrain for the official F1 pre-season test. Hamilton's association with Ferrari has begun on a promising note as he aims to drive the SF-25 car to victory.
Ferrari narrowly missed out on the constructors' championship in 2024, falling short by just 14 points against McLaren. The team, under the leadership of team principal Frederic Vasseur, is determined to clinch the championship this time. Vasseur has emphasized that the team's primary goal is to emerge as champions in the upcoming season.
"A good start and a good problem – they have a good collaboration and a huge mutual respect and it is part of the performance of the team," remarked Frederic Vasseur.
Hamilton's decision to join Ferrari has been driven by his belief that the team possesses "absolutely every ingredient to win." His experience with the SF-25 car at Ferrari's Fiorano test track, alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, has been positive. Hamilton expressed his satisfaction with the car, noting that it "feels like a car I am getting on well with."
In an effort to fully integrate himself into the Ferrari ethos, Hamilton has been residing in his motorhome at the Ferrari factory during weekdays. This arrangement allows him to immerse himself in the team's culture and work closely with its members. He has been acclimatising to the Ferrari car since last month, focusing on understanding its nuances and dynamics.
Hamilton's collaboration with Charles Leclerc is seen as another vital component of his integration into Ferrari. Leclerc, who is "very embedded" in the team, believes that Hamilton's arrival comes "at the right time." This sentiment is shared by Vasseur, who has implemented significant changes within Ferrari over the past two years.
"Fred has a very big strength at keeping the emotional level of the team at a good level," acknowledged Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton's initial testing phase with the SF-25 car has revealed areas for improvement, yet he remains confident in the team's potential.
"We have to continue to work. We have to improve and elevate everywhere – not everywhere but in certain areas, and I have no doubt that we can do that," stated Hamilton.
While optimistic about Ferrari's prospects, Hamilton remains cautious about setting expectations too high.
"What's key is we never want to get ahead of ourselves. We don't know where everyone else is. We know all the other teams will be doing a great job as well, so we're just keeping focused on taking one step at a time," he emphasized.
The upcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, scheduled from March 14-16, marks the start of an exciting new chapter for both Hamilton and Ferrari. As they prepare for the season ahead, Vasseur appreciates the positive influence Hamilton has brought to the team.
"Over the last 10 years, I have been used to a certain way of working and I am still adapting to those things," reflected Hamilton on his transition.
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