The big leap has been taken: Lewis Hamilton has officially taken the wheel of the Ferrari SF-25, and apparently, he doesn’t regret leaving Mercedes for a second.
After his first test on the Fiorano circuit, the seven-time world champion is clear: he is exactly where he should be. Enthusiastic and motivated, he speaks of a unique atmosphere, a different approach to work, and a passion that surpasses anything he has experienced before.
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A new dynamic in F1 for Hamilton
From the very first laps at Fiorano, Hamilton felt a radical change. Although the idea of driving a Ferrari single-seater was a childhood dream, he did not expect an experience so different from his years at Mercedes. He describes a technical approach and a tuning philosophy that require a real period of adaptation. “I feel like I’m exploring entirely unknown territory,” he explains, adding that every detail is different, from the on-track sensations to the vocabulary used by the team. Despite this transition, Lewis Hamilton is confident: he already feels part of the Scuderia, a feeling reinforced by his choice to temporarily live in his motorhome in Maranello to be as close to the team as possible. He even admits that every day spent at the factory makes him want to stay even more.
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A Ferrari ready to play the leading role?
The Brit doesn’t hide his optimism about the SF-25‘s potential. According to him, the team has all the cards to be competitive and aim for victory. He emphasizes the unity of the Scuderia, an aspect he had never experienced before, explaining that everything is centralized under one roof, unlike what he knew at Mercedes. “There is true passion here, an incredible history, and a unique culture,” he confides. For his part, Charles Leclerc is just as enthusiastic about teaming up with Hamilton. To him, Hamilton’s arrival represents a real boost for Ferrari. He is convinced that this season’s car, already high-performing, has been improved in many key areas. The Monegasque says he is ready to work hand in hand with Hamilton to achieve the results that Ferrari has been waiting for too long.
An expected rivalry with Leclerc
While the relationship seems perfect for now, Hamilton knows he will have a tough time facing his teammate. He does not hesitate to acknowledge Leclerc‘s talent and speed, admitting that beating him will not be easy. “We’re going to have great duels this season,” he assures, hinting at a promising rivalry between the two drivers. Ferrari hasn’t won a world title since 2008, and Hamilton’s arrival could be the missing piece to revive the machine. But between learning his new single-seater and adapting to a differently run team, the challenge is immense.
This article explores how Lewis Hamilton is experiencing his arrival at Ferrari, his discovery of an entirely new racing philosophy, and his ambition to bring the Scuderia back to the top.
Images: © Scuderia Ferrari