Lewis Hamilton recently faced an exciting new chapter in his career when he stepped into a Ferrari race suit for the first time. After 12 years with Mercedes, wearing Ferrari’s iconic red was a big change. The moment was special—the thrill of being part of such a legendary team was a dream come true for him.
After the season launch in London and a test drive in Ferrari’s 2025 car, Hamilton is eager about the upcoming challenges. He feels a renewed passion for Formula 1, especially after a tough season with Mercedes where the car didn’t perform as hoped. Now, he looks forward to competing for the coveted eighth world championship title, which slipped through his fingers in 2021.
Hamilton believes Ferrari has everything they need to win it all. All that’s left is fine-tuning the performance. “They’ve got every ingredient needed,” he said. “It’s about putting together the right pieces.” His optimism shows his confidence in the team and his expectations for the season ahead.
Switching teams is rare for Hamilton. Most F1 drivers change teams often, but Hamilton is only moving to his third one. This transition means adapting to a different engine and team culture. He reflected on the challenges, stating, “This step is huge. It couldn’t be any bigger.” From feeling the Ferrari engine’s vibrations to getting used to a different steering wheel, he is embracing every part of this journey.
Excitingly, Hamilton is also learning Italian. He started taking lessons to connect more with his crew. Although meetings are in English, he enjoys chatting with his mechanics and even spoke a few words in Italian at the Ferrari factory. He jokes about indulging in Italian cuisine, having tried three pizzas last week. However, he knows he needs to balance his love for food with staying fit.
His efforts at the factory haven’t gone unnoticed. On his first day, he greeted all 1,500 team members. Jerome d’Ambrosio, the new deputy team principal, highlighted Hamilton’s kindness and how quickly the team warmed up to him. This personal touch already seems to be a cornerstone of his relationship with Ferrari.
Hamilton’s dynamic with new teammate Charles Leclerc is promising as well. They’ve started playing chess against each other to build rapport. Their good-natured rivalry signals a strong partnership ahead.
Ferrari’s new team principal, Fred Vasseur, has high hopes for this alliance. He sees Hamilton as the perfect match for the team’s current direction—a much-needed boost to their efforts toward winning a championship.
Hamilton is clear on his mission: he wants to help Ferrari break its championship drought, which has lasted since 2008. Last year, Ferrari narrowly missed the constructors’ title, finishing just 14 points behind the leader. This year, they aim to close that gap and rise to the top.
A significant design change is in place for the 2025 car, enhancing aerodynamics to increase performance. Hamilton acknowledges the fierce competition they’ll face, stating that it’s still early to gauge how the season will unfold. What’s clear is that each team is striving for every fraction of a second that could determine the race outcomes.
Hamilton’s desire to win is deeply tied to the passion of the Ferrari team. “That’s what I’m working towards,” he said, emphasizing the importance of delivering a championship not just for himself, but for everyone involved in the Ferrari legacy.
As the new season approaches, Hamilton’s revived spirit is infectious. At 40, he’s fit and focused, showing no signs of slowing down. “The energy I’m receiving from the team feels magical,” he shared. Yet, he knows it will take hard work from everyone to achieve their goals.
In this pivotal moment, Hamilton feels he is in the right place. “It feels natural, it feels right,” he concluded, ready to take on the challenges ahead with a renewed sense of purpose.
(Top photo of Lewis Hamilton: Sam Bloxham/Getty Images)
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Formula 1, Motorsports, Sports Business
