Lewis Hamilton is about to reconnect with a well-recognized face at Ferrari this month, as Loic Serra, his former Mercedes colleague, takes on the function of technical director for chassis improvement. Serra, who performed a key function in Hamilton’s six championship wins at Mercedes between 2014 and 2020, joined Ferrari final October after a stint as head of car efficiency at BMW Sauber and later at Mercedes. His arrival, alongside ex-Mercedes deputy workforce principal Jerome D’Ambrosio, bolsters Ferrari’s technical management below Fred Vasseur.
Whereas Hamilton’s trusted race engineer, Peter Bonnington, selected to stay at Brackley to information teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli, the presence of Serra and D’Ambrosio at Maranello ought to ease the 40-year-old’s transition. Hamilton is about to check a Ferrari F1 automobile for the primary time inside the subsequent two weeks.
Loic Serra’s push for key automobile adjustments forward of Hamilton’s debut
In keeping with Motorsport Italy, Serra has already made vital contributions to Ferrari’s 2025 improvement. Though a lot of the automobile’s design was finalized earlier than his arrival, Serra has reportedly requested essential changes aimed toward altering its basic habits. His main focus has been on the suspension system, particularly concentrating on torsion bars and shock absorbers to enhance tyre efficiency.
Ferrari struggled with tyre administration all through 2024, securing solely 4 pole positions, tied for third with Mercedes. The workforce typically did not carry the tyres as much as optimum temperature earlier than the beginning of qualifying laps, which damage their efficiency within the preliminary sectors. Drivers like Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz generally overcompensated by pushing too exhausting, which led to a lack of grip within the closing corners.
Loic Serra’s experience, which incorporates expertise with former F1 tyre provider Michelin, positions him as an authority on addressing these points. His proposed modifications intention to cut back overheating and develop the tyres’ working window, permitting drivers to push more durable with much less threat of degradation. If profitable, these adjustments may very well be particularly advantageous for Hamilton, whose qualifying struggles had been exacerbated by tyre overheating throughout his closing years at Mercedes.
Adjusting Hamilton’s driving model to go well with Ferrari’s automobile
Hamilton’s efficiency in qualifying has been a focus of criticism. Final 12 months, he was overwhelmed 19-5 in head-to-head battles in opposition to George Russell, typically leaving him unable to capitalize on the W15’s race tempo. This marked a pointy distinction to the years when he appeared to have a seamless reference to Mercedes’ equipment.
Ferrari’s automobile, powered by their very own engine, will demand a big adjustment from Lewis Hamilton, who has spent his complete profession counting on Mercedes energy models. The Ferrari engine’s traits would require a distinct strategy, significantly in how Hamilton manages throttle inputs on nook exits.
This adaptation course of would possibly give Charles Leclerc an edge within the early a part of the season, because the Monegasque driver is already well-acquainted with Ferrari’s dealing with traits. Nonetheless, Hamilton’s confirmed means to adapt and optimize his efficiency might make him a formidable contender as soon as he will get comfy together with his new setup.
With Loic Serra’s technical experience and Ferrari’s renewed deal with addressing their tyre administration points, the partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc might change into some of the thrilling dynamics of the 2025 F1 season.
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