10 MINUTES AGO Lewis Hamilton’s HUGE Ferrari SIMULATOR TEST Just Got LEAKED!… read more

10 MINUTES AGO Lewis Hamilton’s HUGE Ferrari SIMULATOR TEST Just Got LEAKED!

Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming involvement in Ferrari’s simulator program marks a significant milestone as the seven-time world champion prepares to join the legendary Italian team in 2025. This development is particularly notable since Hamilton has historically avoided extensive simulator work, a detail often viewed as a weak point in his otherwise stellar career. However, with the stakes higher than ever, Hamilton is now embracing this vital aspect of Formula 1’s development process.

Hamilton’s first simulator session at Ferrari is set for January 20, 2025. This session will allow him to get accustomed to the unique characteristics of Ferrari’s car, giving him a head start ahead of the new season. His commitment to simulator work is a notable shift in approach, especially considering his limited reliance on such tools during his time at Mercedes. In contrast, Ferrari places a strong emphasis on innovation and precision, making Hamilton’s simulator efforts a crucial step in adapting to his new environment. Ferrari’s 2025 car, dubbed “Project 677,” represents a major departure from the SF24, with 99% of the design being different, so early familiarization is essential for Hamilton and his teammate, Charles Leclerc.

In addition to the simulator sessions, Ferrari has scheduled a private four-day testing period in Barcelona using the F1-75, their 2022 car. While this older car will provide useful data, it won’t fully replicate the conditions of the upcoming season. As a result, simulator work becomes indispensable, complementing on-track testing by helping drivers understand how the new car will behave. Ferrari has previously praised the dedication of their simulator drivers, such as Mick Schumacher and Sébastien Buemi, for their relentless work in fine-tuning car performance. Now, Hamilton will need to channel similar energy to quickly master Ferrari’s new car dynamics.

One of Hamilton’s key challenges will be not only adjusting to Ferrari’s car but also establishing a competitive edge over his teammate Leclerc. Leclerc has expressed full confidence in Ferrari’s ability to win both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships soon, setting up a potential rivalry between the two drivers. The competition between Hamilton and Leclerc is expected to be fierce, as both drivers will push each other to perform at their best. Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur has welcomed this internal competition, believing that having two top-tier drivers will elevate the team’s overall performance.

Ferrari’s drastically redesigned car could give Hamilton an advantage since Leclerc hasn’t faced such a significant change in recent seasons. However, some, including Ralph Schumacher, have expressed concerns about Hamilton’s ability to adapt to the heavier, less mechanically grippy cars of the modern F1 era. Schumacher suggested that Hamilton’s late-braking driving style might prove challenging, especially in qualifying, potentially leading to a time deficit against Leclerc.

Despite these concerns, Hamilton’s willingness to fully engage with simulator work demonstrates his determination to succeed at Ferrari. It signals that his move to Ferrari isn’t a retirement plan but rather a strategic attempt to claim an eighth world title, breaking records. While Ferrari fans are strongly loyal to Leclerc, they are also likely to support Hamilton if he helps return the team to championship glory for the first time since 2007.

The impact of Hamilton’s integration into Ferrari goes beyond just his individual performance. His commitment, combined with Ferrari’s high-profile efforts, could help the team iron out potential flaws in the car’s design before the season kicks off in Australia. Although simulator data has its limitations—as shown by Mercedes’ difficulties with porpoising—it’s an invaluable tool for identifying potential issues before the car hits the track.

Ultimately, Hamilton’s success at Ferrari will depend on how well he adapts to his new surroundings and whether the team can produce a competitive car. Both Hamilton and Leclerc are highly motivated to lead Ferrari’s resurgence, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in Formula 1 history. Will Hamilton’s dedication to simulator work give him the edge he needs, or will Leclerc’s familiarity with the team and its operations prove decisive? One thing is certain: Ferrari fans are in for an exhilarating 2025 season as the team pushes to return to the top of the sport.