Just in:Lewis Hamilton’s First Impressions of Ferrari…..read more
Lewis Hamilton’s First Impressions of Ferrari…..read more
Lewis Hamilton’s early feedback from testing Ferrari’s 2023 car has been encouraging, as he adjusts to the Maranello machine amid key differences from his previous experience at Mercedes. According to the Spanish news outlet Marca, Hamilton has expressed satisfaction with what he has encountered on track so far. His observations during the Ferrari tests in Barcelona and Fiorano have highlighted several key areas of contrast when compared to his Mercedes experience.
Ferrari’s testing schedule is ramping up as they prepare for the upcoming season. After some initial laps at Fiorano, the team moved on to a private three-day testing session at the Barcelona circuit with the 2023 car. In the coming days, on February 4 and 5, the team will be testing the new Pirelli 2026 tires, using the car from the 2023 season for this purpose. The most significant event, however, will take place at the end of the month, from February 26 to 28, when the pre-season testing in Bahrain will kick off. This will mark the official debut of the 2025 car, and it will be the first true opportunity to experience Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari on a larger scale.
After his first day of testing, Hamilton has already provided valuable feedback. One of the key aspects he focused on was the braking system, which differs from what he was accustomed to at Mercedes. The car’s power delivery and the modifications to the pedals also received attention, with Hamilton’s impressions aligning with his driving preferences and suggesting a potential improvement in the car’s handling as he continues his adaptation process.
A notable difference between Ferrari and Mercedes lies in the braking system. Ferrari uses the fully Brembo braking system, which includes brake discs from Brembo, as opposed to Mercedes, which utilized Carbon Industries discs paired with Brembo pads and calipers. Hamilton appeared particularly comfortable with Ferrari’s system, which seems more in tune with his braking style. This is a positive sign for the team, as it suggests that Hamilton’s driving style could work harmoniously with Ferrari’s setup. The unique braking characteristics of the Ferrari, particularly its later braking ability—a trait often associated with the team, especially with Charles Leclerc—could suit Hamilton well, as he has struggled to achieve the same aggressive braking performance at Mercedes due to the different car setup.
Another key area of difference between Ferrari and Mercedes is the power unit and its power delivery. The MGU-H, positioned centrally in Ferrari’s V-shaped engine block, provides power in a different way compared to Mercedes’ setup. This design also affects the car’s center of gravity. Hamilton has noted these differences, and it seems the Ferrari engine offers a distinct driving experience compared to the more familiar setup he had with Mercedes.
Ferrari’s current driver pairing—Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc—has the potential to be highly beneficial for the team. The two drivers share similar driving styles, and this alignment could prove advantageous in terms of car development. With both drivers having comparable approaches to how they use the car, Ferrari could more easily develop a car philosophy that suits both of their preferences. This shared understanding could streamline the car’s development process, allowing the team to push in the same direction and potentially accelerate progress.
As Hamilton’s experience with Ferrari continues to evolve, his early impressions indicate that the transition could be smoother than anticipated. The compatibility of the car’s braking system and power delivery with his driving style bodes well for the upcoming season, and his collaboration with Leclerc could further enhance Ferrari’s development strategy. As the team looks to refine the 2025 car ahead of the Bahrain tests, Hamilton’s input will be crucial in shaping Ferrari’s performance for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The team’s development work, in tandem with Hamilton’s feedback, could mark the beginning of a promising partnership as the seven-time World Champion embarks on this new chapter of his illustrious career.
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