Lewis Hamilton breaks silence with six-word message following crash du…read more
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One World Champion, has addressed the public for the first time following a crash during a test session with his new team, Ferrari. Hamilton, who transitioned from Mercedes to Ferrari at the conclusion of the 2024 season, is reportedly earning £40 million annually with the Italian team. Fulfilling a “childhood dream,” Hamilton aims to secure Ferrari’s first World Championship in nearly two decades.
The 40-year-old driver commenced his tenure with Ferrari by completing 30 laps at their Fiorano test track in Maranello. Subsequently, during a test session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Hamilton experienced a crash. Reports indicate that at 11 a.m. on the second day of testing, he lost control of the 2023 Ferrari car, resulting in significant suspension damage and minor aerodynamic impairments.
Details about the incident have been limited, as the test was conducted behind closed doors. However, Hamilton took to Instagram to share his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, posting photos from the test session accompanied by the caption: “First race can’t come soon enough.”
F1 journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm reported that Hamilton was “absolutely fine” after the crash, describing it as a minor incident as he acclimates to driving a Ferrari. Similarly, F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto noted that such occurrences are typical as drivers explore the limits of new machinery.
Hamilton is scheduled to continue testing with Ferrari next week in Barcelona during a two-day Pirelli tyre test. His move to Ferrari marks a significant shift in his career, ending a twelve-season tenure with Mercedes. This transition also concludes his partnership with former Mercedes engineer Peter Bonnington, known for the “Hammer Time” catchphrase. Hamilton has expressed excitement about working with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, at Ferrari.
In preparation for the 2025 season, Hamilton has been immersing himself in Ferrari’s operations, participating in technical meetings and conducting tests at various circuits, including Montmeló in Barcelona. The team has planned additional testing sessions with the SF-24 in Barcelona and in Bahrain with the 2025 car. Expectations are high as Ferrari aims to return to championship contention.
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has been met with enthusiasm from fans and the team alike. The collaboration between Hamilton and his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, is anticipated to be a focal point of the upcoming season. Hamilton’s experience and determination, combined with Leclerc’s talent, are expected to form a formidable partnership as Ferrari strives for success in the 2025 season.
The 2025 Formula One season is set to commence on March 16 in Australia, with pre-season testing beginning in Bahrain on February 26. As Hamilton continues his integration into Ferrari, the motorsport community eagerly awaits the impact of this high-profile partnership on the competitive landscape of Formula One.
