Hamilton: “Ferrari has everything to win a World Championship”

Lewis Hamilton completed his first laps with the Ferrari SF-25 at Fiorano. The seven-time world champion, who left Mercedes after twelve years, expressed confidence in his chances of winning an eighth world title with Scuderia, highlighting that everything is in place to achieve it.

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After completing his first laps behind the wheel of the new Ferrari SF-25 at Fiorano, the seven-time world champion spoke to the media to share his experience within the Scuderia and explain why he believes more than ever in his chances of permanently entering the legend.

The British driver, who surprised the motorsport world last February by announcing his departure from Mercedes after twelve years of collaboration, is experiencing his first moments at Ferrari with particular intensity: « The first two days, I couldn’t sleep, I was so eager for this first day. Even today, as I pass by Enzo’s old house, this beautiful building, I still pinch myself thinking, « Wow, it’s real. I’m really here, finally! After all these years, we’ve done it. » I feel privileged to be part of this brand. » Hamilton confided.

Promising beginnings with the SF-25

The first tests with the SF-25 have reassured Hamilton about the technical potential of his new ride. After watching his teammate Charles Leclerc take the first laps in the morning, the Brit took the wheel in the afternoon for a familiarization session.

« The day went very well. First of all, the amount of work needed to bring the car to this level is considerable for every team. It was extremely exciting to be on the track, just outside the race pits, literally right next to the factory. It’s so unique and there’s so much history here. It was absolutely great. » he told the media after his first outing.

The immediate reliability of the new car particularly impressed him: « The car performed well. We encountered no issues, which is a huge advantage of having had a dry and trouble-free day, allowing us the time and space needed to get accustomed to the new car. »

The British champion however refrained from revealing his exact impressions of the SF-25, « I really can’t tell you. I can’t say too much. » he replied with a mischievous smile.

The quest for the eighth title: more realistic than ever

When asked about his chances of winning the eighth championship that would place him alone at the top of F1 history, Hamilton did not hesitate to show his confidence: « Yes. But I also know that many drivers never win a world title. » he initially clarified, before explaining what makes Ferrari so special in his eyes.

« This team already has an incredible legacy and no shortage of world titles. This winning mentality is part of its DNA. The competition is fierce, and we have seen great results from other iconic teams like McLaren, Red Bull, and, of course, Mercedes. The battle at the front will be tight, but I have an excellent teammate. » continued Hamilton.

He immediately sensed a unique atmosphere within the Scuderia, a feeling that did not fail to capture attention: « The energy I receive from the team, there’s magic here. It will still require a lot of hard work from everyone. And everyone is already doing their utmost to achieve it. But it’s also a matter of belief. Everyone here dreams of winning with Ferrari, every person on this team. »

Leadership that inspires trust

Despite the absence of a constructors’ title since 2008 and a drivers’ title since 2007, Lewis Hamilton seems convinced that the current structure has all the assets to end this drought: “I have already worked with two world champion teams. I know what a winning team looks like and what it entails. The passion here is unparalleled. Everything is in place to win a world championship,” emphasized the Briton.

The driver particularly praised the approach of the current management: “It’s simply about gathering all the pieces of the puzzle. We have strong leadership with Fred [Vasseur], John [Elkann] and Benedetto [Vigna]. Everyone is taking a calm and thoughtful approach. No one is saying, ‘We are perfect in all areas.’ On the contrary, the mindset is, ‘We need to improve everywhere.’ They leave nothing to chance to achieve that.”

An intense but exhilarating transition period

The adaptation of Hamilton to his new environment has been intense, between test sessions with cars from previous years and meetings with his new colleagues. Despite this demanding pace, he describes this period as exceptionally stimulating: “The preparation for this year, coming to the factory, meeting everyone, seeing Ferrari, which I have watched from afar for so many years, and being able to go inside and feel the passion of everyone on the team, the fans in the city, has been incredible,” he shared.

This change represents much more for him than just a team transfer. It’s the realization of a childhood dream, as he expressed with emotion: « In addition to that, sitting in a Ferrari, the doors opening from the garage and onto the track, it’s everything I’ve dreamed of and much more. »

A highly competitive 2025 season

The 2025 season will be the last before the major regulatory change scheduled for 2026. It promises to be particularly competitive, with several teams capable of playing leading roles. Ferrari has completely redesigned its car, modifying 99% of the components according to the chassis technical director, Loïc Serra. The team has notably chosen a pull-rod type front suspension for its new SF-25, aiming to optimize aerodynamics.

With Hamilton and Leclerc forming one of the most talented driver pairings on the grid, Ferrari harbors great ambitions for this final season before the major regulatory change scheduled for next year.

The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, which will take place from March 14 to 16, will be the final step in Lewis Hamilton’s officialization in red. On how he approaches this race, the Briton stated on Sky Sports F1: « To be honest, it reminds me of my very first Grand Prix in Melbourne. My first Grand Prix in 2007. It’s that same kind of excitement leading up to the event, because it’s the first time with Ferrari. »

Until then, the pre-season tests in Bahrain from February 26 to 28 will provide a first glimpse of the stakes in what could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent Formula 1 history.

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