On the London night occasion on the O2 Enviornment, Lewis Hamilton’s eyes and expression have been similar to these of Gabriel Bortoleto, Kimi Antonelli, and Isack Hadjar. The joy 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 combination of enthusiasm and optimism that’s guiding him into his nineteenth Method 1 season.
The primary facet Lewis emphasised was his confidence within the workforce’s potential, strengthened by what he described as the fitting mindset to win the world championship. “Sure, I’ve no doubts,” he instructed in an interview with the Italian each day newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’ve labored previously with two groups (McLaren and Mercedes) which have each received world championships, so I do know what a profitable workforce seems like. At Ferrari, everybody has a really calm strategy, and nobody thinks they’re good—the mentality is ‘we should maintain enhancing.’ They usually depart nothing to probability.” – the British driver identified.
Expectations? “It’s too early to know the way issues will go; we all know it is going to be a really shut season among the many high groups. I’m adapting to a brand new means of working, and the purpose is to be prepared for the primary race. However clearly, we haven’t but been on monitor alongside our rivals, so we will’t know their degree.”
On a extra private word, Lewis Hamilton shocked many by stating that if he have been to win one other world title, for him, it will be his… first. “It’s not about profitable an eighth title—for me, it will be the primary, my first World Championship with Ferrari. It will imply turning into a part of this workforce’s historical past.”
And once more: “If I have 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 can 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 splendid 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 wonderful.
“We have now an awesome relationship, and I contemplate him a really robust driver. A few years in the past in Bahrain (in 2019, throughout Leclerc’s second race with Ferrari when he misplaced the victory on account of an influence unit subject), I stated he had a brilliant future forward of him. Right this moment, Charles is barely 27 years outdated and could be very mature for his age—most likely extra mature than I used to be at 27. He’s very skilled, well-integrated inside the workforce, and clearly very a lot liked. It received’t be straightforward to beat him, however we’ll work collectively to make sure the workforce strikes in the fitting path.”
In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton can also be persevering with his efforts to be taught Italian—an indication of respect for the workforce but additionally an extra solution 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 individuals to know that I care, that I’m really prepared 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 follow on daily basis.”
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