The second when Lewis Hamilton lastly steps behind the wheel of a Ferrari System 1 automobile is quick approaching. The seven-time world champion’s transfer to the Maranello workforce formally turned 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 easy as a result of McLaren’s longstanding reference to Mercedes as their engine provider. Nevertheless, his transfer to Ferrari presents a very totally different problem—one which includes acclimating to a brand new surroundings, language, and nation.
Ferrari’s major purpose can be to combine Hamilton into the workforce 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 change 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 might 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 points of the brand new 2026 rules.
Emerson Fittipaldi has weighed in on the matter, stating that your complete nation of Italy is about to “cease” to witness Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari. The Brazilian, a two-time F1 champion, predicted that every one eyes can be on Hamilton as he takes to the observe within the iconic crimson automobile. Whereas Ferrari is aiming to keep away from turning this debut right into a “media circus” to be able to decrease distractions for Hamilton, Fittipaldi’s feedback counsel that the eye surrounding his first drive can 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 your 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 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 below the management of Frederic Vasseur, who had beforehand been his workforce principal in System 3 and System 2, was a strong mixture. He steered 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 could be an exciting time for Hamilton and for System 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, offers beneficial perception into what Hamilton can anticipate in his transition to Ferrari. As beforehand talked about, Hamilton might want to alter to a brand new workforce surroundings and personnel after Peter Bonnington, his longtime race engineer and shut good friend at Mercedes, selected to not observe him to Ferrari, ending a 12-year partnership.
Adjusting to new environment and constructing relationships with unfamiliar workforce members can be a difficult course of for Hamilton. Nevertheless, 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 workforce tradition.
Hamilton’s race engineer at Ferrari is about 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 System 1, mixed together with his familiarity with Ferrari’s internal workings, positions him as a beneficial 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 finest to type a robust working relationship. Vettel’s optimistic suggestions and excessive regard for Adami, notably 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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