The 2025 season is just around the corner and it’s time for big changes in Maranello. Next week seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton will arrive in Emilia Romagna for his first test drive as a Ferrari driver, in Fiorano.
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna, at the end of the press conference to introduce the new Unicredit sponsorship, took a moment to have a few words about the arrival of Lewis Hamilton in the F1 squad.
A new face in Maranello
“There is a lot of excitement, enthusiasm to get started and face the challenges. Changes are always important and Hamilton got back in the saddle,” he commented, as reported by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera .
A couple of weeks ago, with the new year beginning Hamilton took it to LinkedIn to express his own excitement for the new beginning.
“I could not be more excited for the year ahead. Moving to Scuderia Ferrari, there’s a lot to reflect on.
“To anyone considering their next move in 2025: embrace the change. Whether you’re switching industries, learning a new skill, or even just taking on new challenges, remember that reinvention is powerful. Your next opportunity is always within reach.
“Here’s to 2025—a year of embracing new opportunities, staying hungry, and driving forward with purpose. Let’s make it one to remember. Andiamo 🏎️❤️ ,” he wrote.
A message Vigna very much appreciated from Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari F1 enters a fresh era.
“I really enjoyed reading his LinkedIn post at the start of the year, a powerful message to keep on hoping in all areas.
“With him and Charles we will have fun,” he remarked.
Always pushing forward
Ferrari comes from a quite positive season, with 5 wins and a significant step forward in the second half they came close to winning the constructor’s championship, closing only 15 points behind McLaren.
“Last year at the last race in Abu Dhabi I personally thanked the whole team, from Fred Vasseur to the mechanics: I’m proud of the work done,” said Vigna.
“Now there is a nice atmosphere. Clearly we should always keep it, it’s the beauty of the Ferrari spirit, it always pushes you to go beyond.”
Embrancing change
Looking forward to the new season, Vigna is sure Hamilton’s arrival will bring Ferrari much value. Certainly in terms of experience and mindset, who better than a 7 time world champion would know what it takes?
“He will give us a new drive. Lewis will learn some things from us, and we will learn others from him. It’s like dancing, the important thing is to keep up,” he assured.
“Someone who won seven titles can give a lot. If I speak with Fred he highlights his ability to give technical infos, but not only that. He has so much desire for change, he is not afraid.”
After a successful start with McLaren Hamilton spent the last 12 years driving for Mercedes, it’s there he won 6 championships, it’s there he equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of 7 overall.
And now he is ready to start all over in Maranello, a completely different environment. A mindset that left Vigna particularly impressed.
“At forty years old he got back in the saddle, he embraced a culture that is different in many ways from the anglo saxon one.
“That LinkedIn post reminded me about when Indro Montanelli decided to change at 80 year old: I think it’s so beautiful.”
The comparison is because Montanelli, one of the most well-known Italian journalists, left after 20 years the newspaper he founded to open a new one.
Among all the enthusiasm, however, Vigna, finishes off reminding that the motto for the new season in Maranello is:
“Tyres grounded, down to earth, the important thing is to learn from mistakes.”
