Ferrari's new recruit Lewis Hamilton recently shared a demand about his new Ferrari, revealing that he wants fixes made following the SF-25 shakedown. The 40-year-old, who left a 12-year stint at Mercedes—where he clinched six world titles—has been searching for that elusive eighth championship, a goal that has remained out of reach in recent years.
His transition to Ferrari, however, has encountered a few bumps, notably an incident during Barcelona testing, which has only added fuel to the ongoing conversation about his debut season with the Italian powerhouse.
Fine-tuning the SF-25: Lewis Hamilton’s quest for perfection
In a spirited discussion about his initial experiences with the SF-25, Lewis Hamilton made it clear that he expects nothing less than perfection from his new machine. While the car has shown promising potential, the Briton believes that some minor modifications could make all the difference. During the shakedown, he noticed aspects of the car’s performance that didn’t quite align with the high standards he set for himself and the team. His focus wasn’t on drastic overhauls but on refining the nuances that could enhance the car’s responsiveness and overall competitiveness.
Hamilton explained his mindset during testing, remarking,
“I’ve enjoyed the testing that we’ve had. I’ve had to find the limits of the car as quick as possible, because I only have a handful of days.”
He followed up with a laugh,
“And I definitely did that!”
Lewis Hamilton’s observations come on the heels of a less-than-ideal outing in Barcelona, where an on-track mishap underscored the need for adjustments. The modifications he is calling for are subtle yet significant, aimed at optimizing control and performance as Ferrari gears up for the upcoming season. Although the specifics of his requested changes remain a topic of internal discussion, it is evident that Hamilton is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of excellence.
His willingness to address even the smallest imperfections highlights a proactive approach that many in the racing community admire. With pre-season testing on the horizon, Ferrari’s engineers are already hard at work, ensuring that the SF-25 is tuned to meet Hamilton’s exacting standards.
This period of fine-tuning marks a crucial chapter in Lewis Hamilton’s new journey with Ferrari—one that promises to redefine his legacy as he strives to reclaim his competitive edge on the global stage.