New Ferrari F1 driver Lewis Hamilton said he’s ready to start a fresh chapter of his racing career with the Italian-based team.
This after he unprecedentedly joined Ferrari, after spending nine years at Mercedes team, where he set several championships records.
The Briton association with Mercedes produced seven World Championships, 84 wins, 153 podiums and 78 pole positions.
Hamilton has been getting to grips with his new Ferrari’s F1 2025 challenger, the SF-25, the past two weeks, ahead of the next month’s Australian Grand Prix.
Despite driving some of the biggest brands like McLaren and Mercedes, Hamilton said Ferrari is something else compared to the cars he previously drove.
“It’s nothing like the car that I had before, or the last 10, 12, 17 years.
It’s unique in its own.
And to feel the vibration of the Ferrari engine for the first time, wow.
That’s what I think ultimately put the biggest smile on my face,” said the ecstatic Hamilton.
The Briton last won the F1 title in 2021, had miserable last three seasons at Mercedes, and is confident that his new car will help him claim the record-breaking eighth World Championship.
He’s still in awe, that he’s part of Ferrari.
“I’m getting the biggest buzz every time just putting my kit on.
I walk out and there’s the Ferrari sign, and I’m like ‘I’m actually really here.’
I’m in this beautiful old building that Enzo had his office in.
Each day, I’m reminded that it’s really happening.
I’m proud of the shield,” explained Hamilton.
In addition, Hamilton said he wants to work hard as he can with his new team, to “elevate it and the brand as high as possible.”
The 40-year-old has described his first week at Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, Italy, as emotional and surreal.
“The first week was very emotional.
Every time we arrive here, you see the crowd, you see everyone in the garage.
It’s always emotional.
There’s a lot of love in this team, and passion, and the drive to succeed, there’s no lack of that, that’s for sure,” remarked Hamilton.
