Lewis Hamilton mentions steering wheel quirks as...

Lewis Hamilton mentions steering wheel quirks as… read

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has shared his early impressions of his new Ferrari car as he begins adapting to life at the Scuderia. His transition from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season has created significant buzz, as it brings together the sport’s most successful driver with its most legendary team. As Hamilton settles into his new surroundings, he has already had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of Ferrari’s latest machine, the SF-25, during a private test session in Italy this week.

The British driver, who spent over a decade with Mercedes, admitted that while he expected the change to be challenging, it has been even more intense than anticipated. Speaking to the BBC about his first experience with Ferrari’s car, Hamilton acknowledged that adapting to the differences between the two teams’ machinery has been an exciting yet demanding process.

“I anticipated it would be intense,” Hamilton said, reflecting on his initial laps in the SF-25. “It has definitely been that and more. Moreso because preseason testing is very short. Luckily, it’s been exciting because we’ve had more driving.”

One of the key areas Hamilton has been focusing on is getting accustomed to the nuances of Ferrari’s steering wheel and overall cockpit setup. Every F1 team designs its steering wheel with unique characteristics, integrating various functions, buttons, and paddles that allow the driver to control different aspects of the car’s performance. Having spent years with a Mercedes-designed layout, Hamilton now faces the challenge of learning and adjusting to Ferrari’s distinct approach.

“It’s always fascinating to see how each team builds their car, and the steering wheel is a big part of that,” he explained. “There are differences in how everything is laid out, how the car responds to inputs, and how I interact with all the controls. It’s a learning process, but it’s a great challenge.”

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks one of the most significant driver transfers in modern F1 history. With Mercedes, he achieved a record-equalling seven world titles and became the most statistically successful driver in the sport’s history. However, with Mercedes struggling to replicate their dominance in recent years, Hamilton saw Ferrari as an opportunity to reinvigorate his career and chase an unprecedented eighth title.

His transition comes at a time when Ferrari has been making strides in improving their competitiveness. The Italian team showed promising pace in recent seasons, and Hamilton’s arrival is expected to bring invaluable experience and feedback to further enhance the team’s chances of returning to championship-winning form.

Hamilton’s new teammate, Charles Leclerc, has welcomed him to the team, acknowledging the wealth of knowledge and expertise the British driver brings. The pair will work together to push Ferrari forward, with the shared goal of securing both drivers’ and constructors’ championships for the Scuderia.

As Hamilton continues to integrate into the Ferrari environment, he remains focused on maximizing the limited preseason testing available. With F1’s testing schedule offering only a handful of days for teams to fine-tune their cars before the season begins, every lap on track is crucial.

Despite the challenges of adapting to a new car, Hamilton has expressed enthusiasm for the fresh start. He has also been soaking in the atmosphere of being part of Ferrari, a team with a rich racing heritage and passionate fanbase. “It’s been amazing to see how passionate everyone at Ferrari is,” he said. “There’s a real sense of history and pride in everything they do. I’m looking forward to building strong relationships within the team and seeing what we can achieve together.”

As the countdown to the 2025 season continues, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari to see if this new partnership can deliver the success both parties are hoping for. The journey has just begun, but with Hamilton’s talent and Ferrari’s determination, the upcoming season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.