As Lewis Hamilton begins his new journey with Ferrari, preparations are already in motion for the 2025 season and his adaptation is swiftly taking shape. Last season Ferrari narrowly missed out on taking home the constructors title; so this season they look poised as strong contenders – which means integrating Hamilton is crucial part of their strategy.
Hamilton has quickly integrated himself with Charles Leclerc’s highly accomplished Formula 1 team since joining them, showing promising signs that pre-season preparation will go smoothly.
Early Impressions Positive for Hamilton and Ferrari
As drivers aim to shake off the off-season rust, pre-season activities are in full swing, albeit away from the competitive arena until teams converge in Bahrain for the first official laps in the 2025 cars. In the meantime, drivers like Hamilton are engaging in productive sessions, including Pirelli tyre tests and Testing of Previous Car (TPC) runs, which are proving invaluable for acclimatising to new team environments.
Hamilton’s efforts have seen him clock up significant mileage in the SF-23 and SF-24, Ferrari’s most recent Formula One creations. At 40, he remains as dedicated as ever, spending extensive periods at the Maranello factory with engineers and on the simulator with the SF-25, the car set to compete in 2025.
The Italian powerhouse has its sights set on ambitious aerodynamic advancements for the upcoming season, undertaking a bold overhaul that sees 99% of this year’s car components being newly introduced. This signifies a period of adjustment not only for Hamilton but also for Leclerc as they acquaint themselves with the near-entirely new machine.
Feedback from early track time has been positive. Hamilton’s comfort with last year’s SF-24 bodes well as he braces for the challenge of its successor. Notably, a tyre test in Barcelona saw Hamilton trial custom pedal modifications, a change that he welcomed for enhancing his comfort in the Ferrari cockpit.
The Development Race Heats Up
Under the leadership of team principal Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s progression since 2023 has been noticeable. Vasseur’s confidence in Hamilton’s ability to adapt quickly to the team’s dynamics underscores the high expectations placed on their collaboration.
While Ferrari remains to see its competitive edge with their newly constructed car, their ambition for the 2025 Championship is apparent. Building upon last year’s operational and strategic advances, Ferrari plans on using radical concept changes to challenge for victory even during typically conservative seasons of regulatory cycles.
Ferrari is not alone this year in adopting an aggressive development approach; McLaren as well has adopted extensive changes. This sets up an intense 2025 season where Hamilton and Ferrari aim to set standards against formidable competition.