F1, Ferrari: Fred Vasseur praises Lewis Hamilton for making a 'massive' behind-the-scenes influence
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Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Era Gains Momentum as He Completes First Test in the SF-25
Lewis Hamilton's transition to life as a Ferrari driver is well underway, with the seven-time world champion recently taking his first laps in the team's 2025 challenger.
On Wednesday, Hamilton put the SF-25 through its paces at Fiorano, Ferrari's private test circuit, as thousands of devoted Tifosi lined the track to witness the historic moment. Their presence mirrored the enthusiasm seen during his initial run in the 2023 car back in January.
Acknowledging the fans’ unwavering passion, Hamilton took to social media with a simple yet heartfelt message: "Grazie Tifosi." The 40-year-old has already forged a strong connection with Ferrari's supporters and colleagues alike, earning admiration within the team.
Jerome D'Ambrosio revealed that Hamilton's first visit to Maranello left a lasting impression, as the Briton personally greeted every factory employee, an approach that immediately won over the Ferrari workforce.
Determined to fully integrate himself into his new environment, Hamilton has been making an effort to embrace Ferrari's culture, even learning Italian to communicate more effectively with the team. This dedication contrasts with Michael Schumacher's approach, as the German legend was reportedly criticized for not attempting to learn the language during his dominant tenure at the Scuderia.
Young Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who steps into Lewis Hamilton's former seat in 2025, has been particularly impressed by the Briton's progress in mastering Italian in such a short time.
Hamilton's Arrival Sparks 'Mega Enthusiasm' at Ferrari, Says Frederic Vasseur
After nearly a year of anticipation, Hamilton's long-awaited switch to Ferrari has finally become reality. With a fresh challenge ahead, the seven-time champion appears more determined than ever to compete at the highest level.
Hamilton has spoken openly about his renewed motivation, emphasizing that this move has reignited his competitive fire after a frustrating end to his time at Mercedes. That energy has quickly spread throughout the Ferrari camp.
Team principal Frederic Vasseur recently told Sky Sports F1 that Hamilton has already brought an infectious level of enthusiasm to the team. Behind the scenes, his presence has been a game-changer, injecting fresh energy into the Scuderia.
Beyond his impact on the factory floor, Hamilton's arrival has also made waves off the track. His now-iconic photo outside Enzo Ferrari's old house has become the most-liked F1-related post on Instagram, further solidifying the seismic significance of his move to the legendary Italian team. Fred Vasseur laughed as he looked back on the moment, noting that while it was likely an important step into the season, it was more of a marketing success than anything else. He acknowledged that Hamilton's arrival had brought fresh energy and enthusiasm to the team, which was valuable even from a performance standpoint. However, the French manager emphasized that it was now time to move on from the excitement and focus on the real challenge—racing.
Lewis Hamilton was met with an extraordinary reception at the F1 75 launch event.
On the eve of his first laps in the SF-25, Hamilton made his highly anticipated public debut as a Ferrari driver at the F1 75 launch at London's O2 Arena. The event featured all 10 teams unveiling their 2025 liveries, with Ferrari taking the stage second-to-last, following the reverse order of the previous season's constructors' championship standings.
The moment Hamilton stepped onto the stage alongside team principal Frédéric Vasseur and teammate Charles Leclerc, the crowd erupted in the loudest cheer of the night. The overwhelming response left the seven-time world champion visibly moved, with the French manager later admitting that Hamilton had been “emotional” about the warm welcome he received.
Sky Sports’ Craig Slater observed an unusual sight in the audience—British fans dressed in Ferrari gear. Traditionally, Ferrari merchandise has been rare at UK events, but Hamilton's arrival in Maranello appears to have swayed many of his longtime supporters to embrace the Scuderia's iconic red.
Now, the 40-year-old is gearing up for his first race with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16. Hamilton has drawn comparisons between his upcoming debut in Melbourne and his first-ever F1 race with McLaren in 2007, where he secured a podium finish. Repeating that success would be the perfect way to kick-start this new chapter in his career.
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