The second when Lewis Hamilton lastly steps behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formulation 1 automobile is quick approaching. The seven-time world champion’s transfer to the Maranello group formally turned a actuality at first of the brand new yr.
This marks simply the second time in Hamilton’s illustrious profession that he has switched groups. The 39-year-old made his transition to Mercedes from McLaren in 2013, a transfer that was comparatively clean attributable to McLaren’s longstanding reference to Mercedes as their engine provider. Nevertheless, his transfer to Ferrari presents a totally completely different problem—one which entails acclimating to a brand new atmosphere, language, and nation.
Ferrari’s major aim will likely be to combine Hamilton into the group swiftly, making certain he’s absolutely ready for his or her title bid in 2025. Earlier than finalizing his contract, Hamilton made a secret go to to Maranello, very similar to Carlos Sainz did earlier than his change from McLaren in 2021.
Ferrari has already deliberate two exams for Hamilton in January, previous to the pre-season testing in Bahrain. The primary of those exams will happen at their personal Fiorano circuit, although they could relocate to Mugello or Imola relying on climate circumstances. Moreover, Hamilton might participate in a 2026 Pirelli tire check, which might function a possibility for him to familiarize himself with the technical elements of the brand new 2026 rules.
Emerson Fittipaldi has weighed in on the matter, stating that the whole nation of Italy is ready to “cease” to witness Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari. The Brazilian, a two-time F1 champion, predicted that every one eyes will likely be on Hamilton as he takes to the monitor within the iconic purple automobile. Whereas Ferrari is aiming to keep away from turning this debut right into a “media circus” with a purpose to decrease distractions for Hamilton, Fittipaldi’s feedback recommend that the eye surrounding his first drive will likely be nothing wanting monumental.
Emerson Fittipaldi acknowledged that Ferrari was making a powerful comeback, including that it was straightforward to think about Lewis Hamilton driving for Ferrari subsequent yr. He predicted that the whole nation of Italy would cease on Sunday to look at Hamilton drive the Ferrari.
Fittipaldi additionally famous Hamilton’s motivation, saying that becoming a member of Ferrari introduced a significant problem. He talked about that each driver goals of racing for Ferrari, and Hamilton’s transfer was a major step in his profession. Fittipaldi emphasised that at this level in Lewis Hamilton’s life, with the ability to be part of Ferrari underneath the management of Frederic Vasseur, who had beforehand been his group principal in Formulation 3 and Formulation 2, was a strong mixture. He prompt that the reunion with Vasseur would supply an thrilling problem.
Wanting forward, the two-time F1 champion expressed his anticipation for the following season, predicting that it could be an exciting time for Hamilton and for Formulation 1, particularly because the competitors was changing into more and more fierce.
What Sebastian Vettel has shared about Lewis Hamilton’s new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, gives helpful perception into what Hamilton can anticipate in his transition to Ferrari. As beforehand talked about, Hamilton might want to modify to a brand new group atmosphere and personnel after Peter Bonnington, his longtime race engineer and shut pal at Mercedes, selected to not comply with him to Ferrari, ending a 12-year partnership.
Adjusting to new environment and constructing relationships with unfamiliar group members will likely be a difficult course of for Hamilton. Nevertheless, it appears the seven-time world champion is already considerably conversant in his 2025 colleagues. Hamilton was seen greeting Ferrari mechanics in Italian throughout his look on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, signaling his intention to immerse himself within the new group tradition.
Hamilton’s race engineer at Ferrari is ready to be Riccardo Adami, an skilled determine within the paddock who has labored with each Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz. The Italian’s intensive background in Formulation 1, mixed along with his familiarity with Ferrari’s interior workings, positions him as a helpful asset for Hamilton as he embarks on this new chapter.
Hamilton has already reached out to Vettel, in search of his opinion on Adami and the way finest to kind a powerful working relationship. Vettel’s constructive suggestions and excessive regard for Adami, notably his deep-rooted connection to Ferrari, will undoubtedly provide Hamilton some reassurance as he appears to make his transfer to Maranello a profitable one.
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