When Lewis Hamilton put on his Ferrari race suit for the first time ahead of his maiden test for the team last month, he needed a moment to adjust to his new look.
While putting on a set of overalls is automatic for racing drivers, completed thousands of times through their careers, donning the iconic red of Ferrari is an honor bestowed on so few. And after 12 years in the silver and black of Mercedes, this was a big change for Hamilton.
At last, he was in Ferrari red. The excitement and anticipation he felt had been long in the making. Now, after F1’s season launch in London and his first test in the 2025 car, it is a reality.
Such wonder is something only Ferrari can stir. No matter how many world championships or races you win, the feeling of being part of F1’s most famed, successful team is unmatched. It’s what made Hamilton want to make the move and why he has radiated excitement since starting at Maranello in the middle of January.
Nearing the new season and the official start of his next chapter, Hamilton’s enthusiasm has shown zero sign of subsiding. After a sobering final year with Mercedes that appeared to sap some of the fizz from his love for F1, often hamstrung by an underperforming car, Hamilton has a fresh spring in his step.
He’s revitalized. Renewed. And, importantly, he is hopeful the record-breaking eighth world championship he came within one lap of winning in 2021 is within his sights once again at Ferrari.
“They’ve got absolutely every ingredient they need to win a world championship,” Hamilton said. “It’s just about putting all the pieces together.”
Source link
