On the London night occasion on the O2 Enviornment, Lewis Hamilton’s eyes and expression had been corresponding to these of Gabriel Bortoleto, Kimi Antonelli, and Isack Hadjar. The joy of the three rookies, who’re about to contest their first Components 1 Grand Prix in a couple of weeks, was anticipated—far much less in order that of a seven-time world champion with 356 Grand Prix begins and 105 wins. Lower than 24 hours after the London occasion, throughout a media session in Maranello, Lewis Hamilton reiterated the combination of enthusiasm and optimism that’s guiding him into his nineteenth Components 1 season.
The primary side Lewis emphasised was his confidence within the workforce’s potential, strengthened by what he described as the proper mindset to win the world championship. “Sure, I’ve no doubts,” he advised in an interview with the Italian each day newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’ve labored previously with two groups (McLaren and Mercedes) which have each received world championships, so I do know what a profitable workforce appears like. At Ferrari, everybody has a really calm strategy, and nobody thinks they’re good—the mentality is ‘we should maintain bettering.’ They usually depart nothing to likelihood.” – the British driver identified.
Expectations? “It’s too early to understand how issues will go; we all know will probably be a really shut season among the many prime groups. I’m adapting to a brand new method of working, and the aim is to be prepared for the primary race. However clearly, we haven’t but been on observe alongside our rivals, so we will’t know their stage.”
On a extra private notice, Lewis Hamilton stunned many by stating that if he had been to win one other world title, for him, it could be his… first. “It’s not about profitable an eighth title—for me, it could be the primary, my first World Championship with Ferrari. It could imply turning into a part of this workforce’s historical past.”
And once more: “If I had been lucky sufficient to win one other title, which is clearly what we’re working in the direction of, I don’t see myself able to cease.” This response got here when requested whether or not he can be ready to depart if, on the finish of 2025, he discovered himself celebrating an eighth world championship. The reply was clear—no. His want is to proceed, as his two-year contract signed in January 2024 already suggests.
In Hamilton’s ideally suited state of affairs, Charles Leclerc additionally performs a key function. On this case, Lewis confirmed what Charles himself had beforehand talked about—that the beginning of their working and private relationship has been wonderful.
“We now have a fantastic relationship, and I contemplate him a really sturdy driver. A few years in the past in Bahrain (in 2019, throughout Leclerc’s second race with Ferrari when he misplaced the victory as a consequence of an influence unit subject), I stated he had a brilliant future forward of him. At this time, Charles is just 27 years outdated and could be very mature for his age—in all probability extra mature than I used to be at 27. He’s very skilled, well-integrated inside the workforce, and clearly very a lot cherished. It received’t be straightforward to beat him, however we’ll work collectively to make sure the workforce strikes in the proper course.”
In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton can also be persevering with his efforts to be taught Italian—an indication of respect for the workforce but in addition a further solution to combine completely into the working group. “For a few years, I’ve dreamed of studying one other language, however for the English, it’s not straightforward as a result of, ultimately, we’re not compelled to. However I need folks to know that I care, that I’m actually prepared to do no matter it takes to slot in. It’s a tough problem, however I like being on the manufacturing unit in Maranello as a result of it additionally permits me to observe every single day.”
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