Lewis Hamilton's attitude shift evident after first Ferrari Formula 1 test
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Lewis Hamilton seems to have quickly adapted to life at Ferrari after completing a solid three-day stint during Formula 1's pre-season test in Bahrain.
The seven-time world champion made his highly anticipated official track debut with the Scuderia, clocking an impressive 162 laps. Despite this strong mileage, Hamilton only completed more laps than three other drivers, including both Red Bull's and Lance Stroll's. Still, his consistent running allowed him to gather valuable data as he settles into his new team.
While it’s too soon to predict whether he can mount a serious challenge for his record-breaking eighth drivers' championship, early indicators suggest Ferrari could be in the mix. However, Hamilton might not be thrilled with murmurs from the paddock, where speculation is swirling that his former team, Mercedes, could actually hold an edge over the Scuderia in terms of outright performance.
For Formula 1 fans, this could be a dream scenario. If the preseason pecking order is any indication, the sport could be on the brink of an intense four-team title battle—something that hasn't been witnessed in modern F1.
Lewis Hamilton’s Demeanor Shifts After Ferrari Testing in Bahrain
Notably, Alex Brundle pointed out a concerning aspect of the British driver’s Ferrari SF-25 at the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, describing a particular issue as "horrid" due to the car appearing challenging to handle at times. This suggests Ferrari still has work to do before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
With just under two weeks until the first race at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, every team is now fine-tuning their setups, trying to close the gap to McLaren, who appeared to be the most competitive team throughout testing. While Charles Leclerc's experience with Ferrari will be crucial in extracting more performance, any major upgrades are now off the table, meaning setup optimization is their best hope for finding additional pace.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports commentator David Croft has observed a noticeable shift in Hamilton's demeanor since his transition to Ferrari. The move to Maranello seems to have had a positive effect on the Brit, sparking fresh energy and motivation as he embarks on this new chapter of his illustrious career. He noted that the British driver definitely seemed to have a smile, emphasizing that it wasn't just about looking comfortable in the car but also his demeanor outside of it, which he found revealing. He also pointed out that Hamilton’s integration into the team, as well as how Ferrari had welcomed him, appeared to be a strong and natural fit.
How Quick Was Lewis Hamilton During His First F1 Test for Ferrari?
Pre-season testing times should always be taken with caution, but early indicators suggest an encouraging start for several teams.
Williams unexpectedly topped the timesheets in Bahrain, signaling real progress in their long-term development plan. While some may find this surprising, their steady improvements are beginning to show results.
Close behind them was Lewis Hamilton, clocking a lap time within a tenth of the fastest effort. More importantly, he appeared far more comfortable behind the wheel than in his final seasons with Mercedes, where he often struggled with car limitations.
Ironically, Mercedes has finally addressed a key issue Hamilton frequently criticized—the notorious cockpit heat problem—just as he departs. This fix should offer their current drivers a more comfortable experience throughout the season.
As for Hamilton's early Ferrari performance, Toto Wolff summed it up in just two words—positive and encouraging. The seven-time world champion's speed in testing has already turned heads, hinting at an exciting campaign ahead.
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