Ferrari Modifies Hamilton’s Car for Upcoming Test scheduled to

Ferrari Modifies Hamilton’s Car for Upcoming Test scheduled to hold on…read more

The Formula One world has been abuzz with news surrounding Lewis Hamilton this winter season. In a move that shocked many, the seven-time world champion made the decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari, marking a significant shift in his career. This unexpected decision came after Hamilton faced the reality of Mercedes offering him just a one-year contract extension. With the desire to extend his F1 career further, Hamilton sought a new challenge and secured a deal with Ferrari, a move that was reportedly brokered by Ferrari Group President John Elkann.

While Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, had previously expressed his satisfaction with his current lineup of drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Hamilton’s stature and Elkann’s passion for success in Formula One ultimately swayed the decision. Vasseur had even stated just weeks before that he was content with the current driver roster. However, the strength of Hamilton’s brand and Elkann’s ambitions for Ferrari’s future made the move inevitable, even if it was not initially Vasseur’s first choice. As a result, Hamilton has become the first driver to race for Ferrari since Nigel Mansell in the 1990s.

With the switch to Ferrari, Hamilton now faces the challenge of bouncing back from what many consider his worst season in Formula One. Last year, he struggled significantly, particularly in qualifying, where he was outpaced by teammate George Russell, who beat him 19-5 in qualifying sessions. For many fans, it was a surprising outcome, as Hamilton had been known for his dominant single-lap performances in his prime. However, 2024 saw him fail to make it out of Q1 in four different races, and he even admitted that, by Monaco, he believed he would continue to struggle in qualifying throughout the season. This puts added pressure on Hamilton as he now looks to challenge his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, and revive his career with Ferrari.

Upon joining Ferrari, Hamilton was given a warm welcome in Maranello, with thousands of Ferrari fans showing up to greet him. He took time to sign autographs before meeting with the engineers he will work alongside during his time at Ferrari. Hamilton’s arrival was a notable one, with him receiving the “red carpet” treatment, signaling Ferrari’s excitement over the acquisition. During his visit, he was given a tour of Ferrari’s Maranello factory, with Elkann accompanying him. This was a significant gesture, as many workers at the factory may have never seen the senior executive in person, signaling Elkann’s full support for Hamilton’s move.

In an unusual move, Vasseur has provided Hamilton with an extensive test program to help him settle into the team and familiarize himself with the Ferrari machinery. Hamilton’s first test took place at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit in cold and damp conditions. During the session, Hamilton raised concerns about the positioning of the brakes on the Ferrari car. In response, Ferrari engineers spent a week making adjustments to the car’s setup. These modifications were then tested during the next outing at the Barcelona circuit, highlighting Ferrari’s commitment to ensuring Hamilton has the best possible setup ahead of the upcoming season.

This tailored approach to Hamilton’s testing schedule reflects Ferrari’s willingness to provide him with the necessary resources to succeed and challenge for victories in the upcoming F1 season. The pressure is on Hamilton to recover from a difficult 2024 season and show that he can still compete at the highest level in F1, now as part of the iconic Scuderia Ferrari team.