The daybreak of the brand new 12 months formally marks the start of Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated chapter at Ferrari.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, introduced his transfer to the Maranello-based workforce in February 2024 earlier than embarking on a last marketing campaign with Mercedes. That season proved to be one of the difficult of his profession, with Lewis Hamilton ending seventh within the drivers’ standings—the bottom place he has ever recorded. Regardless of the struggles, his tenure with Mercedes will perpetually be remembered as one in every of Components 1’s best driver-team partnerships. Successful six of his seven titles with the Silver Arrows and changing into the game’s all-time winningest driver, Hamilton’s departure from Brackley was each emotional and historic.
Mercedes workforce principal Toto Wolff bid farewell to Hamilton throughout an emotional send-off on the workforce’s headquarters, marking the top of an period as Hamilton ready for the transition to Ferrari.
Touted as one of the vital driver transfers in Components 1 historical past, Hamilton’s debut in Ferrari purple is eagerly awaited. The workforce has deliberate a personal check session for the 39-year-old on the Fiorano Circuit this January, with backup places ready in case climate circumstances disrupt the occasion. Ferrari goals to maintain the session low-profile, centered solely on acclimating Hamilton to the automotive and his new setting, minimizing distractions forward of the 2025 season.
Lewis Hamilton Bonds with Ferrari Mechanics Forward of Debut
Hamilton has reconnected with Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari’s workforce principal, with whom he collaborated throughout his junior profession in GP2. The Briton will associate with Charles Leclerc, one of the formidable opponents on the grid, making certain robust intra-team rivalry.
The transition to Ferrari was not sudden; the British driver had discreet conferences with the workforce, together with non-public visits to Maranello, even earlier than the transfer was publicly confirmed. Reviews counsel the 39-year-old is already settling into his new environment. In response to the Italian day by day newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport*, the seven-time Components 1 world champion feels “at house” at Ferrari, a sentiment bolstered throughout the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend when he greeted his new mechanics in Italian.
The report claims Hamilton’s reference to Ferrari has been rising since he signed his contract in early 2024. His Italian greeting on the Yas Marina Circuit symbolized his dedication to integrating himself into the workforce’s tradition. Hamilton is reportedly desirous to familiarize himself with the faces, processes, and secrets and techniques of the Ferrari manufacturing facility as he gears up for what is probably going his final alternative to safe a record-breaking eighth world championship.
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Future and the Rise of Oliver Bearman
Lewis Hamilton has signed a profitable £39 million-per-year contract with Ferrari, working by 2026, with an possibility to increase for an extra season. Whereas the transfer has ignited pleasure, it has additionally raised questions on whether or not Lewis Hamilton can return to his greatest kind after a tough 2024 season.
Final 12 months, Lewis Hamilton struggled with qualifying tempo, continuously being outperformed by teammate George Russell and struggling 4 Q1 eliminations. These points have sparked concern about how he’ll fare towards Leclerc, who’s famend for his distinctive one-lap velocity.
Because the British driver approaches the twilight of his profession at 40, the Maranello workforce’s long-term plans have gotten evident. The workforce is reportedly eyeing junior driver Oliver Bearman as Lewis Hamilton’s eventual successor. Ollie Bearman, at present with Haas, may earn a Ferrari seat as early as 2026 if his efficiency in Components 1 continues to impress.
For now, nevertheless, all eyes are on Hamilton as he begins this pivotal chapter, hoping to guide Ferrari again to championship glory and solidify his legacy in Components 1.