The second when Lewis Hamilton lastly steps behind the wheel of a Ferrari Method 1 automotive is quick approaching. The seven-time world champion’s transfer to the Maranello staff formally grew to become a actuality firstly of the brand new 12 months.
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 easy because of McLaren’s longstanding reference to Mercedes as their engine provider. Nonetheless, his transfer to Ferrari presents a totally totally different problem—one which entails acclimating to a brand new setting, language, and nation.
Ferrari’s major objective might be to combine Hamilton into the staff swiftly, guaranteeing he’s totally ready for his or her title bid in 2025. Earlier than finalizing his contract, Hamilton made a secret go to to Maranello, very like Carlos Sainz did earlier than his swap from McLaren in 2021.
Ferrari has already deliberate two checks for Hamilton in January, previous to the pre-season testing in Bahrain. The primary of those checks will happen at their personal Fiorano circuit, although they could relocate to Mugello or Imola relying on climate circumstances. Moreover, Hamilton may participate in a 2026 Pirelli tire take a look at, which might function a chance 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 complete nation of Italy is ready to “cease” to witness Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari. The Brazilian, a two-time F1 champion, predicted that each one eyes might be on Hamilton as he takes to the observe within the iconic crimson automotive. Whereas Ferrari is aiming to keep away from turning this debut right into a “media circus” with a view to reduce distractions for Hamilton, Fittipaldi’s feedback counsel that the eye surrounding his first drive might be nothing in need of monumental.
Emerson Fittipaldi said that Ferrari was making a robust comeback, including that it was simple to think about Lewis Hamilton driving for Ferrari subsequent 12 months. He predicted that the complete 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 offered 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 below the management of Frederic Vasseur, who had beforehand been his staff principal in Method 3 and Method 2, was a robust mixture. He recommended that the reunion with Vasseur would supply an thrilling problem.
Wanting forward, the two-time F1 champion expressed his anticipation for the subsequent season, predicting that it could be an exhilarating time for Hamilton and for Method 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 alter to a brand new staff setting and personnel after Peter Bonnington, his longtime race engineer and shut pal at Mercedes, selected to not observe him to Ferrari, ending a 12-year partnership.
Adjusting to new environment and constructing relationships with unfamiliar staff members might be a difficult course of for Hamilton. Nonetheless, it appears the seven-time world champion is already considerably aware of 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 staff 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 in depth background in Method 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, looking for his opinion on Adami and the way greatest to type a robust working relationship. Vettel’s optimistic suggestions and excessive regard for Adami, significantly his deep-rooted connection to Ferrari, will undoubtedly supply Hamilton some reassurance as he appears to make his transfer to Maranello a profitable one.
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