Hamilton: Ferrari the right place, 'all the ingredients to win’
Lewis Hamilton has wasted no time settling into life at Ferrari, and after his first outing in the team’s 2025 challenger on Wednesday at Fiorano, the seven-time world champion is more confident than ever that he made the right move.
While Hamilton began testing with the Scuderia at the wheel of older-spec cars two weeks ago, the Briton sampled his 2025 mount during a limited shakedown session, with teammate Charles Leclerc putting the very first laps on the team’s new SF-25.
Speaking with the media after his run, Hamilton shared how his new chapter with the House of Maranello feels like the perfect fit.
"I don't have the slightest doubt or question in my head,” he said.
“I'm in the right place at the right time and it's a great privilege to be here, to join this team and to work with everyone to try to build and continue the great historical tradition of this team."
Living the Ferrari Dream
Hamilton's passion for Ferrari has been clear since his move was announced, and now he’s immersing himself fully into the team's iconic culture.
The Brit has even been living out of his motorhome at Ferrari’s Maranello base, embracing the Italian squad's unique ethos and camaraderie.
"Every day has been exciting," Hamilton enthused. "Even last night, walking on that stage [at the F1 75 livery event] dressed in red was something totally new for me.
“To be able to meet and experience the fans is something very different doing it as an opponent or doing it as a Ferrari driver.
"To begin a journey together with them and the team is something that left me speechless."
©Ferrari
The emotional connection to Ferrari is something Hamilton doesn’t take lightly. As a child, he dreamed of one day driving for the legendary team, and he admitted that the experience still feels surreal.
"It has an incredible history with this team, and as a kid it was a dream for me to be able to race for Ferrari, and I still pinch myself to be able to believe that it's really happening. I have so many expectations,” he admitted.
‘All the Ingredients to Win’
Hamilton’s first run in the 2025 car has only strengthened his belief in Ferrari’s potential to return to championship-winning form. His early impressions of the team’s unified approach and singular passion left him thoroughly impressed.
"Ferrari is very different. From the moment you put on the suit and enter the garage, put on the helmet and enter the cockpit, you feel that incredible passion,” he explained.
"From seeing the passion, everything under one roof, which I've never experienced before, this team has absolutely every ingredient to win.
“But we're also aware we have to continue to work. We have to improve and elevate everywhere—not everywhere but in certain areas—and I have no doubt that we can do that.
“I have genuinely loved every day I have been here. It's a place you genuinely don't really want to leave in the day. Everything's here. Even my motorhome is here so I don't ever leave!”
Teaming Up with Leclerc
Hamilton will share the garage with Charles Leclerc, who welcomed the veteran’s arrival and praised the impact Hamilton has already made.
"Lewis joining the team has been a big boost and has been amazing in so many areas,” Leclerc said.
“We had a good car but it needed more performance, and that is where we focused on this car. We focused on small things in every area."
Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Hamilton was full of respect for his new teammate, who has been with the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2016.
"Charles is very embedded in this team. He is very fast, and I am completely aware of that," Hamilton said.
"It is not going to be easy to beat him, but we will work together and have some great races, I hope."
Hamilton’s infectious energy and belief in Ferrari’s potential mark a new chapter in his storied career.
With the Scuderia determined to reclaim its place at the top of Formula 1, the 40-year-old’s arrival represents a pivotal moment for the team.
Whether this partnership leads to an eighth world championship for Hamilton remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – his passion for Ferrari is burning bright, and he’s ready to give everything in his pursuit of glory with the Prancing Horse.
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