Hamilton stunned Formula 1 fans when he announced his move to Ferrari in early 2024, bringing an end to his legendary 12-year tenure with Mercedes. While Mercedes faced struggles last season, Ferrari secured second place in the constructors’ standings, setting the stage for a promising new era.
Now partnering with Charles Leclerc, Hamilton replaces Carlos Sainz, who has made the switch to Williams. The pairing of Hamilton and Leclerc has fueled expectations, as Ferrari aims to break their championship drought dating back to 2008. Meanwhile, Hamilton has his sights set on making history with an elusive eighth title.
Despite the high stakes, the 40-year-old remains unfazed by external pressures. He told reporters that any pressure he feels is entirely self-imposed rather than coming from external expectations. He added that he has nothing to prove to anyone, as his long career has already demonstrated his abilities.
Transitioning from Mercedes, where he claimed all seven of his titles, to the legendary Italian marque presents a fresh challenge. Not only is he adapting to a new team structure, but he’s also getting accustomed to a Ferrari-powered car after spending his career with Mercedes engines.
Hamilton acknowledged that the adjustment wouldn’t be easy, describing it as starting from scratch. He explained that the Ferrari car has a completely different feel from what he has previously driven, with a unique engine vibration and an entirely different operational approach. Even reviewing past race data required a new perspective, which he sees as both a challenge and an exciting opportunity.
Hamilton, a two-time winner in Melbourne, isn’t placing any expectations on his debut weekend—except for jokingly hoping to finish in the points. With two practice sessions on Friday and qualifying on Saturday, he is focused on getting comfortable with the car.
For him, this transition marks one of the most thrilling periods of his career. He expressed enthusiasm about finally getting behind the wheel and making the most of this new chapter.