The 2025 F1 season began with a grand livery launch of all the teams at the O2 Arena, followed by the Ferrari team’s SF-25’s Fiorano debut as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc took the SF-25 for a spin and have shared positive first impressions.
For Hamilton, the experience went beyond just a first drive and served as confirmation that he had made the right choice. The seven-time world champion, who left Mercedes after over a decade, has been glowing about his first outing in red. With the new season on the horizon, he believes Ferrari has all the right ingredients to take him to the elusive eighth title.
After his initial laps in Ferrari’s latest challenger at Fiorano, Hamilton expressed that he feels at home in red and has no doubts about his decision to switch teams. When probed about it, he said:
“100%. I don’t have the slightest doubt or question in my head. I’m in the right place at the right time and it’s a great privilege to be here, to join this team and to work with everyone to try to build and continue the great historical tradition of this team.”
The Briton’s enthusiasm for his new team is undeniable. From the moment he stepped onto the stage at Ferrari’s livery launch at the F175 launch event in O2 Arena in London, Hamilton has been embracing every aspect of the transition.
Hamilton shared that, “Every day has been exciting. Even last night, walking on that stage [at the F1 75 livery event] dressed in red was something totally new for me.
“To begin a journey together with them and the team is something that left me speechless.”
Hamilton draws comparison between Mercedes and Ferrari
Hamilton parted ways with the Mercedes team after over a decade-long partnership. He had great success at Mercedes, but Ferrari brings a new energy he believes can take him further.
Speaking about the difference between the teams, he said, “Ferrari is very different. From the moment you put on the suit and enter the garage, put on the helmet and enter the cockpit, you feel that incredible passion.
“It’s all exciting and thrilling. It has an incredible history with this team, and as a kid, it was a dream for me to be able to race for Ferrari, and I still pinch myself to be able to believe that it’s really happening. I have so many expectations.”
That passion, Hamilton says, is what makes Ferrari special. Unlike Mercedes, where different departments work from various locations, Ferrari operates under one roof. The Briton sees this as an advantage that could make the difference in the title fight.
“From seeing the passion, everything under one roof, which I’ve never experienced before, this team has absolutely every ingredient to win.
“But we’re also aware we have to continue to work. We have to improve and elevate everywhere – not everywhere but in certain areas, and I have no doubt that we can do that.”
Hamilton optimistic about his chances of winning the eighth with Ferrari
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has naturally sparked discussions about his championship aspirations. While aware of the challenges ahead, he remains optimistic about Ferrari’s potential to deliver.
“Yes. But I’m also aware there’s a lot of drivers that never ever get to win a world championship, first and foremost.
“But this team already has an insane legacy and they’re not short of how many world championships they’ve won. So, I think in their DNA, they have that winning mentality.”
2025 is dubbed to be one of the most competitive seasons with potentially all the top teams in the mix for the trophy. However, Hamilton is confident in the strength of his team and the leadership guiding them forward.
“The competition is fierce and we’ve had great results from other iconic teams, like McLaren and Red Bull and obviously, Mercedes.
“The passion here is like nothing you’ve ever seen. They’ve got absolutely every ingredient they need to win a world championship.”
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and top executives have impressed Hamilton with their methodical approach.
“Everyone just has a really calm and good approach. No one’s like, ‘we’re perfect in every single area’. Everyone’s like, ‘we need to elevate everywhere’. They’re leaving no stone unturned to try and do that.”
Hamilton shares his experience of being a Ferrari driver for the last 50 days
The seven-time champion has had a taste of Ferrari machinery before, having tested the SF-23 privately and an adapted SF-24 for Pirelli tyre runs at Barcelona.
As he continues to settle in, Hamilton is relishing the experience of being a Ferrari driver, something he once only dreamed about.
“The build-up into the year, coming to the factory, meeting everyone, seeing Ferrari that I’ve watched for so many years from the distance and to actually get inside and feel the passion within all of the people within the team, the fans within the town, has been incredible,” he said.
“The first two days I couldn’t sleep. I was so excited for that first day.”
With pre-season testing just a week away, Hamilton is eager to get started. He firmly believes Ferrari has the magic to put him back in the record books, and if early signs are any indication, the SF-25 might just be the car to do it.
