Lewis Hamilton has shared his enthusiasm about his first month as a Ferrari driver, declaring that it "couldn't have gone any better." As the 40-year-old prepares for the 2025 Formula 1 season, he is gradually building a strong relationship with Ferrari's new SF-25 car ahead of the season opener in two weeks' time.
Lewis Hamilton: a positive beginning at Ferrari
Hamilton spoke optimistically following his second session driving Ferrari’s SF-25 during the Bahrain testing on Thursday. His performance saw him set the second-fastest time of the week, though he acknowledged that lap times in testing are often not the best indicator of a car's true performance. Teams typically run different programs, including varying fuel loads, during testing sessions.
However, Hamilton’s upbeat demeanor suggested a promising start to his time with Ferrari. Reflecting on his first weeks with the team, he noted,
How you start is often very important. This past month couldn’t have gone any different and couldn’t have gone any better. Things along the way had to happen, Barcelona had to happen.
He added that every day has been significant in building a strong foundation with Ferrari, despite the tight timeline since his mid-January arrival.
It’s been long days, but that’s what we’re here for. I think it will pay dividends going forward, Hamilton continued. This has felt seamless and easy in terms of bonding with the team. I haven’t had to force it, and I feel at home.
Lewis Hamilton gradually bonding with the SF-25
As Hamilton embarks on his first season with Ferrari, his success will depend not only on the team's competitiveness but also on how quickly he adapts to the SF-25. Following his struggles for consistency with Mercedes’ cars under the new ground-effect rules, Hamilton’s performance with Ferrari’s 2025 challenger is under keen observation.
Although it’s still early days, Hamilton expressed satisfaction with his progress in the Ferrari.
I think it’s a bit early to say, but I am really enjoying the car. We are slowly bonding, he remarked.
His testing days have been focused on assessing various car setups and configurations.
Yesterday was just OK, but we got through all our run plans and tested a bunch of things, he explained.
On his work with his engineer, Hamilton said, Today was about exploring my interaction with my engineer. So far, I really enjoy driving this car.
Adapting to Ferrari’s unique driving style
Hamilton also reflected on the differences between the Ferrari and Mercedes cars.
The way this car has to be driven is different, and that’s a fun journey, he stated.
He admitted that even basic settings, like brake bias, are different, and he’s gradually adjusting his driving approach.
Despite the learning curve, Hamilton expressed confidence in the car’s responsiveness.
I feel like the car is underneath me and responding to my inputs, he noted.
Although there’s still work to do, Hamilton believes the foundation is strong for a successful partnership with Ferrari.
As the Australian Grand Prix looms on March 16, Hamilton is eager to continue developing with Ferrari.
Everyone has done a great job over the winter, he concluded
Hinting that his rivals, including Williams, are also in strong form.