Two-time F1 champion predicts what will happen in Italy when...

Two-time F1 champion predicts what will happen in Italy when….. read more

Lewis Hamilton is on the brink of an exciting new chapter in his illustrious Formula 1 career as he prepares to drive for Ferrari, marking only the second team switch in his 39 years. The seven-time world champion’s transition to the Maranello outfit officially commenced at the start of the new year, a significant change from his long-standing association with Mercedes, where he spent a decade since leaving McLaren in 2013. Unlike his previous move, which was relatively seamless due to McLaren’s connection with Mercedes, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari brings a host of new challenges, including adapting to a different culture, language, and working environment.

Ferrari aims to integrate Hamilton into their team quickly, as they set their sights on a title challenge for the 2025 season. Before confirming his contract, Hamilton made a covert visit to Maranello, reminiscent of Carlos Sainz’s similar trip before his 2021 switch from McLaren. To facilitate a smooth transition, Ferrari has organized two test sessions for Hamilton in January, with the first taking place at their private Fiorano circuit. Depending on weather conditions, they may also conduct tests at Mugello or Imola. Furthermore, Hamilton might participate in a 2026 Pirelli tire test, allowing him to familiarize himself with the new regulations that will come into effect.

Emerson Fittipaldi, a two-time Formula 1 champion, has weighed in on Hamilton’s impending debut, predicting that it will capture the attention of the entire nation of Italy. Fittipaldi indicated that the excitement surrounding Hamilton’s first drive in the iconic red Ferrari is expected to be enormous, suggesting that the country might even come to a standstill to witness the event. While Ferrari is keen to prevent the situation from turning into a “media circus” to minimize distractions for Hamilton, Fittipaldi’s remarks imply that the spotlight on him will be immense.

Fittipaldi also expressed optimism about Ferrari’s resurgence, suggesting that Hamilton’s move symbolizes a significant milestone in his career. He acknowledged that every driver dreams of racing for Ferrari, making this transition a notable challenge for Hamilton. The former champion highlighted the importance of Hamilton joining Ferrari under the leadership of Frederic Vasseur, who previously served as Hamilton’s team principal in Formula 3 and Formula 2. This connection, according to Fittipaldi, presents an exciting opportunity for Hamilton.

As the 2025 season approaches, Fittipaldi is eager to see how Hamilton adapts to his new environment, emphasizing that the competition in Formula 1 is becoming increasingly intense. Insights from Sebastian Vettel about Hamilton’s new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, provide further context for Hamilton’s transition. After Peter Bonnington, his long-time race engineer at Mercedes, opted not to follow him to Ferrari, Hamilton must adjust to new team dynamics and build rapport with unfamiliar colleagues.

Hamilton is taking proactive steps to ease this transition; he was recently seen conversing in Italian with Ferrari mechanics at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, demonstrating his commitment to embracing the team culture. Adami, who has a wealth of experience and has previously worked with both Vettel and Carlos Sainz, is expected to play a crucial role in supporting Hamilton as he acclimates to Ferrari. Hamilton has also reached out to Vettel for advice on how to establish a strong working relationship with Adami, and Vettel’s positive endorsements of Adami’s capabilities will likely bolster Hamilton’s confidence as he embarks on this new journey with Ferrari. As the anticipation builds, it is clear that this next chapter promises to be thrilling for both Hamilton and the Formula 1 world.