Ferrari give track debut to ‘completely new’ car for Hamilton’s…read more
Ferrari has officially unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 Formula 1 challenger, the SF-25, marking a significant milestone as Lewis Hamilton embarks on his inaugural season with the Scuderia. The car’s debut took place during a shakedown session at the Fiorano test track in Italy, following a grand livery presentation at London’s O2 Arena.
A New Era Begins: Hamilton Joins Ferrari
The 2025 season heralds a new chapter in Formula 1 history, with seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton making a high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari. This move, announced in February 2024, has been described as a “childhood dream” for Hamilton, who aims to bring championship glory back to the Maranello-based team. Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the first time in his illustrious career that he will not be driving a Mercedes-powered car.
The SF-25: A Completely New Design
Ferrari has characterized the SF-25 as a “completely new” design, building upon the successes and lessons of its predecessor, the SF-24. The new car features significant evolutions, with 99% of its components being newly developed to optimize performance. One of the most notable changes is the switch from a ‘pushrod’ to a ‘pull rod’ front suspension system, aimed at enhancing aerodynamics and airflow. This design overhaul has been spearheaded by Loic Serra, Ferrari’s new technical director who joined from Mercedes.
Shakedown at Fiorano: First Impressions
The initial on-track action for the SF-25 took place at Ferrari’s private Fiorano circuit. Charles Leclerc was the first to pilot the new machine, completing several laps to assess its baseline performance. Hamilton observed from the garage, analyzing data and providing feedback based on his extensive experience. Following Leclerc’s session, Hamilton took to the track, marking his first drive in Ferrari colors. This shakedown allowed the team to verify the car’s systems and gather crucial data ahead of the pre-season tests in Bahrain.
A Grand Unveiling in London
Prior to the Fiorano shakedown, Ferrari participated in a spectacular season launch event at London’s O2 Arena. The event, celebrating Formula 1’s 75th anniversary, featured all ten teams and twenty drivers. Hamilton made a stylish entrance, arriving with his new team principal in a Ferrari Purosangue. Dressed in a striking black coat and red tie, he mingled with former Mercedes colleagues and other F1 personalities. The evening included musical performances and unveiled the new liveries of the F1 teams, setting the stage for the upcoming season.
Hamilton’s Integration into the Ferrari Family
Hamilton’s integration into Ferrari has been seamless, facilitated by his prior relationship with team principal Fred Vasseur from their earlier racing years. Embracing Italian culture, Hamilton has been bonding with teammate Charles Leclerc, fostering a positive and competitive relationship. Highlights of his early days with the team include dining at Michael Schumacher’s favorite restaurant and receiving an enthusiastic welcome from fans at the Fiorano track. Hamilton’s social media posts have garnered significant attention, with his first day as a Ferrari driver becoming the most-liked F1 image on Instagram, surpassing previous records.
Financial Aspects of the Move
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari comes with a lucrative two-year contract, reportedly worth £48 million annually. This positions him as one of the highest earners in Formula 1, closely trailing Max Verstappen’s £52 million annual salary at Red Bull. Other notable salaries in the paddock include Charles Leclerc at £27 million and Lando Norris at £16 million. Hamilton’s high-profile switch aims to rejuvenate Ferrari’s championship prospects and adds a compelling narrative to the 2025 season.
Pre-Season Testing and Season Opener
Following the shakedown, Ferrari’s focus shifts to the official pre-season testing in Bahrain. Both Hamilton and Leclerc are slated to share driving duties, each aiming to fine-tune the SF-25’s setup and performance. The season is set to commence with the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne’s Albert Park on March 16, marking Hamilton’s race debut with Ferrari. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the new partnership will unfold on the track.
Anticipation and Expectations
The combination of Hamilton’s experience and Ferrari’s engineering prowess has generated significant excitement within the motorsport community. Teammate Charles Leclerc has expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Hamilton, anticipating a strong partnership that could propel Ferrari back to championship contention. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Scuderia to see if this new alliance can break the team’s title drought and return them to the pinnacle of Formula 1 success.
