Ferrari engineer proposes 2025 car update to address Lewis Hamilton's qualifying challenges
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Lewis Hamilton is set to reconnect with a familiar face at Ferrari this month, as Loic Serra, his former Mercedes colleague, takes on the role of technical director for chassis development. Serra, who played a key role in Hamilton's six championship wins at Mercedes between 2014 and 2020, joined Ferrari last October after a stint as head of vehicle performance at BMW Sauber and later at Mercedes. His arrival, alongside ex-Mercedes deputy team principal Jerome D'Ambrosio, bolsters Ferrari's technical leadership under Fred Vasseur.
While Hamilton's trusted race engineer, Peter Bonnington, chose to remain at Brackley to guide teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli, the presence of Serra and D'Ambrosio at Maranello should ease the 40-year-old's transition. Hamilton is set to test a Ferrari F1 car for the first time within the next two weeks.
Loic Serra's push for key car changes ahead of Hamilton's debut
According to Motorsport Italy, Serra has already made significant contributions to Ferrari's 2025 development. Although much of the car's design was finalized before his arrival, Serra has reportedly requested critical adjustments aimed at altering its fundamental behavior. His primary focus has been on the suspension system, specifically targeting torsion bars and shock absorbers to improve tyre performance.
Ferrari struggled with tyre management throughout 2024, securing only four pole positions, tied for third with Mercedes. The team often failed to bring the tyres up to optimal temperature before the start of qualifying laps, which hurt their performance in the initial sectors. Drivers like Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz sometimes overcompensated by pushing too hard, which led to a loss of grip in the final corners.
Loic Serra's expertise, which includes experience with former F1 tyre supplier Michelin, positions him as an authority on addressing these issues. His proposed modifications aim to reduce overheating and expand the tyres' operating window, allowing drivers to push harder with less risk of degradation. If successful, these changes could be especially advantageous for Hamilton, whose qualifying struggles were exacerbated by tyre overheating during his final years at Mercedes.
Adjusting Hamilton's driving style to suit Ferrari's car
Hamilton's performance in qualifying has been a focal point of criticism. Last year, he was beaten 19-5 in head-to-head battles against George Russell, often leaving him unable to capitalize on the W15's race pace. This marked a sharp contrast to the years when he appeared to have a seamless connection with Mercedes' machinery.
Ferrari's car, powered by their own engine, will demand a significant adjustment from Lewis Hamilton, who has spent his entire career relying on Mercedes power units. The Ferrari engine's characteristics will require a different approach, particularly in how Hamilton manages throttle inputs on corner exits.
This adaptation process might give Charles Leclerc an edge in the early part of the season, as the Monegasque driver is already well-acquainted with Ferrari's handling traits. However, Hamilton's proven ability to adapt and optimize his performance could make him a formidable contender once he gets comfortable with his new setup.
With Loic Serra's technical expertise and Ferrari's renewed focus on addressing their tyre management issues, the partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc could become one of the most exciting dynamics of the 2025 F1 season.
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