Just in:”Lewis Hamilton Feels at Home in Ferrari:….read more
“Lewis Hamilton Feels at Home in Ferrari:….read more
Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has already shown promising signs, with the seven-time world champion reportedly feeling more comfortable in the SF-23 than he has in his Mercedes cars over the past two seasons. Despite a crash during his first test with Ferrari at the Circuit de Catalunya, respected Formula 1 journalist and former Ferrari manager Peter Windsor believes Hamilton’s performance was highly encouraging.
Hamilton’s First Ferrari Test: A Strong Start Despite the Crash
On February 4 and 5, Hamilton and his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, are set to test the 2024 Ferrari SF-24, modified for Pirelli’s 2026 tire tests. This follows Ferrari’s earlier test session last week, where Hamilton got behind the wheel of the SF-23.
The test, however, was not without drama. Hamilton suffered a significant crash at the exit of the final corner, raising concerns about his adjustment to Ferrari machinery. However, Peter Windsor, a former Ferrari manager and current F1 analyst, sees the incident in a completely different light.
“At first glance, Lewis Hamilton’s first real test was not the best, as it ended with a heavy crash,” Windsor commented. “However, in my opinion, the test was actually very, very good for Lewis. The crash was not caused by an asphalt bump or anything external. He feels comfortable within the team and in the car, even though the SF-23 was not Ferrari’s best creation and was a relatively difficult car.”
Hamilton Feels More at One with Ferrari Than Recent Mercedes Cars
Windsor elaborated further, highlighting Hamilton’s immediate connection with Ferrari’s car. “In that car, Lewis Hamilton felt better than he has in the last two years at Mercedes. He liked the driving sensations and felt completely at one with the car.”
This revelation is significant, as it suggests that Hamilton is adapting quickly to Ferrari’s driving characteristics. The Briton struggled with Mercedes’ ground-effect cars under the latest regulations, often battling unpredictable rear-end instability and bouncing issues. If he finds Ferrari’s machinery more predictable and balanced, it could translate into an immediate improvement in performance.
Windsor believes the crash was simply a result of Hamilton’s aggressive approach. “To me, the crash happened because he was already pushing to the limit. There’s no doubt that Lewis is already very fast and is doing an excellent job.”
What This Means for Ferrari and Hamilton in 2025
Hamilton’s Ferrari debut is one of the biggest stories in Formula 1, and Windsor’s insights will only add to the excitement among fans. If Hamilton is already feeling more comfortable in Ferrari’s car than he did in his recent Mercedes outings, it bodes well for the team’s future.
While the SF-23 was not Ferrari’s most competitive car, Hamilton’s confidence in it suggests that the 2025 SF-24 could be a strong contender. Ferrari’s ability to fine-tune the car to suit Hamilton’s driving style will be crucial in their bid to challenge Red Bull’s dominance.
For Hamilton fans, Windsor’s words provide optimism that the Briton will not only be competitive at Ferrari but could also thrive in his new environment. His early pace and confidence indicate that he is eager to return to the front of the grid and fight for victories once again.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari to see if this promising start translates into race-winning performances. One thing is certain—Hamilton is wasting no time in proving that he is still one of the fastest drivers in Formula 1.
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