It’s not the primary time Lewis Hamilton has pushed at Fiorano, nor the primary time he’s executed so on the wheel of a Ferrari. However at present, he did it with what he known as “his” Ferrari.
The 7-time world champion participated within the filming day that Ferrari carried out at their house monitor, taking the chance to debut the SF-25, the brand new automobile that shall be used for the 2025 Formulation 1 World Championship.
For Hamilton, it wasn’t simply one other day, as he received to actually expertise the fervour that Ferrari generates within the followers who gathered on the fences to see him and Charles Leclerc take their first kilometers within the new Purple automobile.
On the finish of the day, the previous Mercedes driver spoke to Sky Sport Italia microphones to share his first impressions of the SF-25 and, extra typically, verify what he has repeatedly acknowledged: Ferrari is the correct place on the proper time for him.
Lewis, what are your first impressions from at present?
“I’m actually excited. I’m completely satisfied and really proud, I’m having a lot enjoyable.”
Are you able to inform us one thing concerning the SF-25?
“As for the automobile, it’s arduous to say something proper now. It’s too early. We didn’t have any issues at present. Charles drove within the morning, I drove within the afternoon, and that is my first actual Ferrari racing automobile I’ve pushed. It’s nonetheless arduous to consider. I’m making an attempt to take pleasure in each second, being current every single day with this legendary staff, and I’m studying a lot from everybody I can work with on the staff.”
Till a couple of months in the past, you have been driving for Mercedes, and now you’ve had the possibility to drive a Ferrari. Are you able to inform us concerning the variations you’ve seen?
“Effectively, Ferrari could be very completely different. From the second you placed on the go well with and enter the storage, placed on the helmet, and get into the automobile, you’re feeling that unbelievable ardour. It’s all thrilling and thrilling. This staff has a tremendous historical past, and as a child, it was a dream to race for Ferrari, and I nonetheless pinch myself to consider it’s actually occurring. I’ve so many expectations.”
How do you see your partnership with Charles Leclerc this 12 months?
“Unbelievable. I actually take pleasure in working with Charles. I consider we’ve already constructed a very good friendship. However even earlier than becoming a member of the staff, we talked quite a bit on and off the monitor. We talked quite a bit about music and trend. We’ve quite a bit in frequent and get alongside nicely. Within the working setting we’re in, it’s incredible. I’m additionally having fun with understanding how he works as a result of he has a number of expertise with the staff and is nicely built-in. I’m doing my finest to combine and alter to this new staff, which is so thrilling.”
You’ve at all times made the correct transfer on the proper time in your profession. Do you assume this may very well be one other one?
“100%. I’ve little doubt or query in my thoughts. I’m in the correct place on the proper time, and it’s an enormous privilege to be right here, to affix this staff, and work with everybody to attempt to construct and proceed the nice historic custom of this staff. What else can I say, every single day has been thrilling. Even final night time, strolling on that stage wearing pink was one thing completely new for me. Having the ability to meet and expertise the followers is one thing very completely different when doing it as a rival or as a Ferrari driver. Beginning this journey along with them and the staff is one thing that left me speechless.”