Lewis Hamilton embarks on a thrilling new journey with Ferrari, embracing the challenge and setting his sights on fresh success in Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton is stepping into a new era with Ferrari, and he’s confident he’ll feel at home in the SF-25 from the get-go. He expects the competition to be fierce but is ready for the challenge.
This weekend in Melbourne, Hamilton will make his debut with the Scuderia—a move that has the entire paddock watching closely. Despite being only his third team in Formula 1, this is by far the biggest shift of his career: new surroundings, a new power unit, and a whole new way of working.
Yet, he embraces it all with his trademark smile.
“I feel incredibly lucky. I’ve had an amazing career. Starting with McLaren in 2007 was epic, then moving to Mercedes was another incredible journey. And now, walking into the red garage I’ve admired for years—it’s a surreal feeling.”
Reflecting on his early days in F1, Hamilton admits he wasn’t as prepared as he is now.
“Back in 2007, at 22, I wasn’t mature yet. I had the talent, but I lacked the structure around me. My dad and stepmum were booking my flights, and I had no one to guide me through it all. I was thrown in at the deep end many times and sank more than once.”
Now, he feels completely at ease.
“I know who I am, where I’m going, and what I need to do to reach my goals. When you think about it—out of 8 billion people, only 20 of us get to do this. It’s a privilege. Seeing the sport grow, reaching new audiences, and knowing that Stefano (Domenicali) is staying on as CEO—it’s all fantastic.”
No Pressure?
With such high expectations around him, does Hamilton feel the weight of pressure?
“Not at all. I don’t really follow the news, and I stay off social media for long stretches. So, I’m not bombarded with everything people say. I live in my own bubble.”
For him, this is a fresh start.
“I’m giving everything to this team. Four days a week at the factory, training harder than ever, pushing my body and mind beyond previous limits. I know it won’t be easy, but the only pressure I feel is from myself. I have nothing to prove—I’ve already done that time and time again.”
Will the SF-25 Suit Hamilton?
Still, he knows he has to prove himself again, starting in Melbourne. The big question—will the SF-25 be competitive? Will it suit him better than last year’s unpredictable Mercedes? So far, he’s optimistic.
“It feels good so far. We only had three days of testing, so it’s hard to gauge where we stand. But we’re focused. Carlos was incredibly fast. Kimi (Andrea Kimi Antonelli) too.”
“It’s tight, that’s for sure. But I can’t wait. I’ve been looking forward to this for so long, and to have my first race with Ferrari—it’s something really special. I feel honoured to have this opportunity.”
Mentor or Rival to the Rookies?
Hamilton won’t just be facing familiar names this season—he’ll also be up against the next generation, including his Mercedes successor, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Does he feel like the veteran now, or is he excited by the young talent entering the sport?
“I don’t see it as direct competition. I just remember my own debut. Maybe Kimi feels the same way, but I’ll never forget 2007, following Michael Schumacher on track and thinking, ‘Oh my God, that’s Michael Schumacher!’ I stayed behind him as long as I could until he pitted. It was surreal.”
He’s also keen to protect the new generation from the harsh realities of the sport.
“I just want to set a good example. And I hope they’re given time to grow without too much pressure. The world of sport can be brutal—it takes time to create a diamond.”
A Thought for Jack Doohan
Hamilton also shares a special thought for Alpine’s Jack Doohan.
“Some drivers barely arrive before they’re pushed out. I hope they’re given the chance to make mistakes—we all made them. The only difference is, we do it in front of the whole world. It’s a tough place to be. So I hope people go easy on them… and save the criticism for the old guys like us.”
Driven by More Than Just Titles
At this stage of his career, Hamilton is racing for more than just silverware.
“I know what it takes to perform, and that’s what I want to bring—to myself, to my family, and to this team. Ferrari deserves success. When you see a group of people this passionate, who haven’t had the results they should have, you want to give everything to help them get there.”
His new journey with Ferrari begins now.
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Hamilton’s Ferrari Era Begins: A Bold New Chapter in F1 Hamilton’s Ferrari Era Begins: A Bold New Chapter in F1
