On the London night occasion on the O2 Enviornment, Lewis Hamilton’s eyes and expression had been akin to these of Gabriel Bortoleto, Kimi Antonelli, and Isack Hadjar. The joy of the three rookies, who’re about to contest their first System 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 System 1 season.
The primary facet Lewis emphasised was his confidence within the staff’s potential, strengthened by what he described as the proper mindset to win the world championship. “Sure, I’ve no doubts,” he informed in an interview with the Italian each day newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’ve labored prior to now with two groups (McLaren and Mercedes) which have each received world championships, so I do know what a successful staff seems like. At Ferrari, everybody has a really calm method, and nobody thinks they’re good—the mentality is ‘we should maintain bettering.’ And so they go away nothing to likelihood.” – the British driver identified.
Expectations? “It’s too early to understand how 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 method 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 are able to’t know their degree.”
On a extra private observe, Lewis Hamilton shocked many by stating that if he had been to win one other world title, for him, it will be his… first. “It’s not about successful an eighth title—for me, it will be the primary, my first World Championship with Ferrari. It could imply changing into a part of this staff’s historical past.”
And once more: “If I had been lucky sufficient to win one other title, which is clearly what we’re working in 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 very best 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’ve got a terrific relationship, and I think about him a really sturdy driver. A few years in the past in Bahrain (in 2019, throughout Leclerc’s second race with Ferrari when he misplaced the victory as a result of an influence unit subject), I mentioned he had a vivid future forward of him. Right this moment, Charles is simply 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 throughout the staff, and clearly very a lot cherished. It received’t be straightforward to beat him, however we are going to work collectively to make sure the staff strikes in the proper course.”
In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton can also be persevering with his efforts to study Italian—an indication of respect for the staff but additionally a further approach 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, in the long run, we’re not pressured to. However I would like individuals to know that I care, that I’m actually prepared to do no matter it takes to slot in. It’s a tough problem, however I like being on the manufacturing facility in Maranello as a result of it additionally permits me to observe day-after-day.”
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