Lewis Hamilton's F1 rival goes behind scenes at Ferrari and sees something 'crazy

Lewis Hamilton’s F1 rival goes behind scenes at Ferrari and sees something ‘crazy

Lewis Hamilton’s first drive for Ferrari left a significant impression on the Formula 1 community, with some of his competitors expressing surprise at the level of attention his move generated. This week, the seven-time world champion had his second outing with Ferrari, participating in a three-day testing session at Barcelona’s circuit. However, the test didn’t go entirely as planned. Hamilton experienced a crash on the second day, which ended both his session and that of teammate Charles Leclerc prematurely.

Before heading to Spain, Hamilton had already completed some preliminary laps at Ferrari’s private test track in Fiorano, located in Italy. Despite the poor weather conditions that hindered visibility, more than 1,000 fans gathered at the track just to catch a glimpse of the 40-year-old driver as he tested Ferrari’s 2023 car. The massive turnout reflected the immense excitement surrounding Hamilton’s new association with Ferrari, signaling the level of intrigue his move from Mercedes has sparked within the motorsport world.

One notable figure who witnessed the scene firsthand was Esteban Ocon, the French driver for the Haas team. Ocon, who was at the Ferrari facility for his own simulator work, was astonished by the level of enthusiasm surrounding Hamilton’s appearance. In an interview with Canal+, he explained the unique atmosphere at the track that day. Ocon described the scene as “crazy” and commented on the intense passion surrounding Ferrari and Formula 1 in general. He emphasized how the sport continues to grow in popularity globally, with fans eager to witness iconic drivers like Hamilton participate with teams such as Ferrari.

Hamilton’s deal with Ferrari is a significant one. After struggling with Mercedes in recent years, particularly since the 2021 season, Hamilton signed a two-year contract with Ferrari, which is considered one of the most successful and storied teams in Formula 1. Despite some challenging seasons, Ocon believed that Hamilton’s legacy in the sport is unaffected by recent performances. Ocon noted that having “the greatest driver of our generation” join Ferrari is an extraordinary event. His excitement about the opportunity to compete against Hamilton on track in the future was evident.

The upcoming 2025 F1 season is particularly crucial for Ferrari, as the team is hoping to secure its first Drivers’ Championship since 2007, a title won by Kimi Räikkönen. Ironically, that season saw Hamilton, who was racing for McLaren, lose the championship to Räikkönen by a single point. Additionally, Ferrari is aiming to end a long drought in the Constructors’ Championship, which they have not won since 2008. Their long wait for that title underscores the team’s desire for success, and with the addition of Hamilton, they are clearly hoping to make a push for both titles in the near future.

Ferrari currently holds a remarkable 15 constructors’ titles in Formula 1, a record that remains unparalleled in the sport’s history. Despite their recent struggles, the team’s legacy and determination to return to championship-winning form remain strong. The addition of a driver like Hamilton to their lineup only heightens expectations and raises the stakes for the upcoming seasons.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Ferrari to see if they can harness Hamilton’s experience and skill to challenge for both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles. The passion of the fans, the legacy of the team, and the history of Hamilton’s career make this a thrilling chapter in the story of Formula 1, and it seems that this next phase of Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is sure to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.