Lewis Hamilton discovers unexpected joy at Ferrari that tops his Mercedes experience in pre-season period
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Lewis Hamilton appears to be thriving in his new environment at Ferrari as he gears up for his much-anticipated debut season with the iconic Italian team. The seven-time world champion has been fully immersed in preparations, working behind the scenes to ensure he is ready to challenge for what could be a historic eighth Formula 1 title.
His transition to Ferrari has already included multiple test sessions, with runs at Fiorano and the Circuit de Catalunya, the latter part of a program for evaluating the 2026 tyre specifications. Each of these outings has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the Tifosi, with thousands of fans gathering to witness Lewis Hamilton's first laps in Ferrari machinery. His initial test in an older Scuderia model drew massive crowds, and the excitement only intensified when he finally got behind the wheel of the SF-25 single-seater at Fiorano this week.
Ferrari's 2025 contender features a revamped front suspension designed to improve the car's performance and bring it closer to the level of Red Bull and McLaren. While there is immense anticipation surrounding what the season may bring, Hamilton has highlighted one particular aspect of his new journey that he finds more enjoyable at the Maranello team than he did at his former team.
Lewis Hamilton Finds Newfound Enjoyment in Pre-Season Testing with Ferrari
Despite his legendary status in the sport, Lewis Hamilton has never been known for his enthusiasm when it comes to simulator sessions or extensive testing days. During his time at Mercedes, he often limited his participation in pre-season testing and even admitted in the past to having “pulled a sickie” to avoid particularly grueling sessions. The long hours and repetitive nature of test programs never appealed to him.
However, speaking to the BBC, the British driver revealed that he now finds pre-season testing more enjoyable at Ferrari than he did at Mercedes. The difference, he explained, comes from the fact that he has so much more to learn in his new environment. The need to familiarize himself with Ferrari's systems, processes, and car characteristics has added a fresh challenge, making the typically monotonous testing days far more engaging and rewarding.
Lewis Hamilton expressed his excitement about having more driving time than usual during pre-season, noting that while he has never been particularly fond of testing, he has found it enjoyable to experience the completely new feel of the car and engine while getting comfortable in the cockpit.
The British driver also pointed out that Ferrari’s steering wheel has more buttons and lights compared to what he was used to in the past. He emphasized the importance of fine-tuning everything before the first race, aiming to have all settings optimized in advance rather than spending the first six months making adjustments. He highlighted the significant effort that has gone into this preparation.
Ferrari's First Impressions of Working with Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton has already begun to make an impact at Ferrari, both on and off the track, as he settles into his new environment. His arrival at the team has been met with excitement, and he offered a succinct but meaningful response when asked about the experience of driving for Ferrari at the recent F1 75 event in London, where he received an enthusiastic reception from fans.
Since joining the Maranello-based outfit, Hamilton has been putting in significant effort behind the scenes to integrate himself into the team. His adaptation process has included not only familiarizing himself with Ferrari's operations but also picking up Italian phrases to better connect with the team and its culture.
Adjusting to life at Ferrari has not been without its challenges, as Hamilton has openly acknowledged. Moving to an Italian team after spending his entire Formula 1 career with British-based outfits has required a major cultural shift, and he admitted that the transition has been demanding in the early weeks.
Despite the challenges, Hamilton has already earned the admiration of those within the team. Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi has praised the seven-time world champion, revealing that he has “impressed everybody” he has worked with so far. According to Jean Alesi, the British driver’s dedication, professionalism, and the way he has conducted himself behind the scenes have made a strong impression on the team.
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