The second when Lewis Hamilton lastly steps behind the wheel of a Ferrari Components 1 automobile is quick approaching. The seven-time world champion’s transfer to the Maranello staff formally grew to become a actuality at the beginning 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 as a result 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 main objective will probably 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 similar to Carlos Sainz did earlier than his swap from McLaren in 2021.
Ferrari has already deliberate two assessments for Hamilton in January, previous to the pre-season testing in Bahrain. The primary of those assessments will happen at their non-public Fiorano circuit, although they might relocate to Mugello or Imola relying on climate situations. Moreover, Hamilton may participate in a 2026 Pirelli tire take a look at, which might function a possibility for him to familiarize himself with the technical points of the brand new 2026 laws.
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 every one eyes will probably be on Hamilton as he takes to the observe within the iconic purple automobile. Whereas Ferrari is aiming to keep away from turning this debut right into a “media circus” to be able to reduce distractions for Hamilton, Fittipaldi’s feedback recommend that the eye surrounding his first drive will probably be nothing wanting 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 yr. He predicted that the complete nation of Italy would cease on Sunday to observe Hamilton drive the Ferrari.
Fittipaldi additionally famous Hamilton’s motivation, saying that becoming a member of Ferrari introduced a serious problem. He talked about that each driver desires of racing for Ferrari, and Hamilton’s transfer was a big step in his profession. Fittipaldi emphasised that at this level in Lewis Hamilton’s life, having the ability to be part of Ferrari beneath the management of Frederic Vasseur, who had beforehand been his staff principal in Components 3 and Components 2, was a strong mixture. He instructed that the reunion with Vasseur would offer an thrilling problem.
Wanting forward, the two-time F1 champion expressed his anticipation for the subsequent season, predicting that it might be an exciting time for Hamilton and for Components 1, particularly because the competitors was turning into more and more fierce.
What Sebastian Vettel has shared about Lewis Hamilton’s new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, gives worthwhile perception into what Hamilton can anticipate in his transition to Ferrari. As beforehand talked about, Hamilton might want to regulate to a brand new staff setting and personnel after Peter Bonnington, his longtime race engineer and shut buddy at Mercedes, selected to not comply with him to Ferrari, ending a 12-year partnership.
Adjusting to new environment and constructing relationships with unfamiliar staff members will probably be a difficult course of for Hamilton. Nonetheless, it appears the seven-time world champion is already considerably acquainted with 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 intensive background in Components 1, mixed together with his familiarity with Ferrari’s internal workings, positions him as a worthwhile asset for Hamilton as he embarks on this new chapter.
Hamilton has already reached out to Vettel, searching for his opinion on Adami and the way greatest to kind a robust working relationship. Vettel’s optimistic suggestions and excessive regard for Adami, significantly his deep-rooted connection to Ferrari, will undoubtedly provide Hamilton some reassurance as he appears to be like to make his transfer to Maranello a profitable one.
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