(The Post News)– Lewis Hamilton is relishing the early days of his Ferrari journey, reflecting on his transition with a sense of optimism and excitement. The British driver, who made the highly anticipated switch from Mercedes over the winter, described his first month at Maranello as a seamless experience, stating that it “couldn’t have gone any better.”
After spending a decade with Mercedes, Hamilton has been adjusting to his new surroundings—getting acquainted with the Ferrari team, the factory, and the nuances of a different car. His initial outings included test runs in older Ferrari machinery before getting his first real feel of the SF-25 during a filming day at Fiorano.
His adaptation continued in Bahrain, where he put Ferrari’s 2025 challenger through its paces in pre-season testing. On the second morning of the session, Hamilton topped the time sheets, offering an early glimpse of his synergy with his new team.
While it is still early days, Hamilton shared his positive first impressions of the SF-25, describing the process as one of “slowly bonding” with the car. When asked how it compares to his final Mercedes machine, he admitted it’s still too soon to draw conclusions but expressed enthusiasm for the learning process.
“These days are all about exploration,” Hamilton explained, acknowledging that he is still uncovering the car’s full potential. He noted that various settings, such as brake bias, feel significantly different from what he was used to at Mercedes. Rather than discarding old habits, he sees this as a process of “relearning” how to extract the best from a new car with a distinct driving style.
Hamilton also praised the warm welcome he has received at Ferrari, crediting the team for making his transition smooth. He emphasised the importance of laying strong foundations from the start and commended the structured yet unrushed approach taken by the team.
“Every day has been significant in building these foundations,” he said, pointing to the Barcelona private test as a key moment in his adaptation. Despite the packed schedule, he insists nothing has felt forced. “It’s been long days, but it’s what we’re here for. It’s felt seamless; it’s felt easy—we’ve just naturally gelled.”
When asked about his long-term ambitions, Hamilton made it clear that his hunger for success remains undiminished. While he continues his off-track initiatives, such as Mission 44, his primary focus is firmly on his racing career.
“This is what I love; this is what I grew up dreaming of,” he stated. “I don’t know why I still have this level of hunger and fight, but I’m grateful for it. I’m also grateful for this sport—it has changed my life.”
Looking ahead, Hamilton is eager to make the most of this new chapter, determined to learn from Ferrari’s experienced engineers and align his expertise with the team’s collective goal. With pre-season testing underway and the season opener approaching, his journey with the Scuderia is only just beginning—but if his early impressions are anything to go by, it’s already shaping up to be an exciting ride.
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