On the London night occasion on the O2 Area, Lewis Hamilton’s eyes and expression had been akin to these of Gabriel Bortoleto, Kimi Antonelli, and Isack Hadjar. The thrill of the three rookies, who’re about to contest their first Method 1 Grand Prix in just a few weeks, was anticipated—far much less in order that of a seven-time world champion with 356 Grand Prix begins and 105 wins. Lower than 24 hours after the London occasion, throughout a media session in Maranello, Lewis Hamilton reiterated the combo of enthusiasm and optimism that’s guiding him into his nineteenth Method 1 season.
The primary facet Lewis emphasised was his confidence within the staff’s potential, strengthened by what he described as the suitable mindset to win the world championship. “Sure, I’ve no doubts,” he informed in an interview with the Italian day by day newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’ve labored up to now with two groups (McLaren and Mercedes) which have each gained world championships, so I do know what a successful staff looks like. At Ferrari, everybody has a really calm strategy, and nobody thinks they’re good—the mentality is ‘we should preserve enhancing.’ And so they depart nothing to likelihood.” – the British driver identified.
Expectations? “It’s too early to know the way issues will go; we all know will probably be a really shut season among the many high groups. I’m adapting to a brand new means of working, and the aim is to be prepared for the primary race. However clearly, we haven’t but been on observe alongside our rivals, so we will’t know their stage.”
On a extra private notice, Lewis Hamilton shocked many by stating that if he had been to win one other world title, for him, it might be his… first. “It’s not about successful an eighth title—for me, it might be the primary, my first World Championship with Ferrari. It will imply turning into a part of this staff’s historical past.”
And once more: “If I had been lucky sufficient to win one other title, which is clearly what we’re working in the direction of, I don’t see myself able to cease.” This response got here when requested whether or not he could be ready to depart if, on the finish of 2025, he discovered himself celebrating an eighth world championship. The reply was clear—no. His need is to proceed, as his two-year contract signed in January 2024 already suggests.
In Hamilton’s very best state of affairs, Charles Leclerc additionally performs a key function. On this case, Lewis confirmed what Charles himself had beforehand talked about—that the beginning of their working and private relationship has been glorious.
“Now we have an ideal relationship, and I contemplate him a really sturdy driver. A few years in the past in Bahrain (in 2019, throughout Leclerc’s second race with Ferrari when he misplaced the victory as a consequence of an influence unit situation), I stated he had a shiny future forward of him. As we speak, Charles is simply 27 years outdated and could be very mature for his age—in all probability extra mature than I used to be at 27. He’s very skilled, well-integrated throughout the staff, and clearly very a lot liked. It gained’t be straightforward to beat him, however we are going to work collectively to make sure the staff strikes in the suitable path.”
In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton can be persevering with his efforts to study Italian—an indication of respect for the staff but additionally an extra method to combine completely into the working group. “For a few years, I’ve dreamed of studying one other language, however for the English, it’s not straightforward as a result of, ultimately, we’re not pressured to. However I need folks to know that I care, that I’m really keen to do no matter it takes to slot in. It’s a troublesome problem, however I like being on the manufacturing facility in Maranello as a result of it additionally permits me to apply each day.”
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