Lewis Hamilton highlights a key similarity between his Ferrari debut and 2007 F1 rookie season
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Lewis Hamilton is just a few weeks away from officially starting his journey as a Ferrari driver at the Australian Grand Prix, marking a significant new chapter in his illustrious career.
The seven-time world champion was brought in as part of Ferrari’s ambitious strategy to end a 17-year title drought. Last season, they came close to clinching the constructors’ championship, falling short by just 14 points. With Hamilton now in their ranks, many believe his presence could provide the crucial advantage they need to secure the title in the near future.
Teaming up with Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton’s primary task will be to challenge McLaren, the team he made his F1 debut with almost 18 years ago. Reflecting on his transition to Ferrari, Hamilton shared that he was deeply moved by the warm reception he received on his first visit to the Maranello factory in January. His new colleagues were clearly thrilled about his arrival, and the sense of enthusiasm was palpable.
In preparation for the 2025 season, Ferrari may have taken a leaf out of Mercedes‘ book, introducing a new rear wing that appears to be inspired by their rivals, signaling the team's commitment to continuous innovation.
As Ferrari hit the track with their new SF25 at Fiorano this week, the car showed impressive performance. With McLaren also expected to make strides this season, the upcoming campaign is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The uncertainty about where teams like Red Bull and Max Verstappen will stand, alongside Hamilton’s debut in Ferrari red, adds to the anticipation. Reflecting on the significance of his Ferrari debut, Hamilton remarked that the experience reminds him of his very first F1 race back in 2007, drawing parallels between the excitement and uncertainty he felt then and what he is experiencing now.
Lewis Hamilton shared that the excitement surrounding his Ferrari debut reminded him of his first Grand Prix at the Albert Park circuit in Australia back in 2007. He described the build-up to the race as having a similar sense of anticipation, especially given that it's his first time racing with Ferrari.
The British driver acknowledged that the Italian side had finished the previous season strong, securing second place in the constructors’ standings, but emphasized that the team is under no illusions about the challenges ahead. Hamilton pointed out that the competition among the top cars and teams will be incredibly close, and that Ferrari still has a lot of work to do.
The former Mercedes man noted that the team is focused and level-headed, with everyone believing that they can improve. According to Lewis Hamilton, each member of the team is committed to honing their skills and becoming the best they can be. He expressed his satisfaction with the energy, motivation, and dedication within the team, all of which are crucial as they move forward.
Nigel Mansell has made a bold and “monumental” prediction about Lewis Hamilton ahead of his Ferrari debut, expressing confidence that the seven-time world champion will be a serious contender for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in the upcoming season.
The former Ferrari driver, the last full-time British driver to race for the Maranello team, understands the weight of competing with the legendary Italian team. Having driven for Ferrari in 1995 and won a championship with them, Mansell is one of the few individuals who truly comprehends the immense pressure that comes with the responsibility of delivering victories for the Scuderia.
As Lewis Hamilton prepares for his first season with Ferrari, Mansell believes the 40-year-old driver is primed for success, expecting him to quickly adapt and contend for top honors. Pre-season testing will provide Hamilton with his first extended opportunity to evaluate his performance on a permanent F1 circuit, allowing him to gauge where he stands compared to his Maranello teammate, Charles Leclerc.
However, the limited time available for testing at the Bahrain circuit — with just three days of running between both Ferrari cars — means the team won't have much opportunity to fine-tune the SF25 before it's shipped off to Melbourne for the season opener. The first race of the season will take place only two weeks after the Bahrain testing, leaving Ferrari with a tight window to address any issues or adjustments needed ahead of the highly anticipated start to the 2025 Formula 1 season.
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