BREAKING NEWS: Five Takeaways From Lewis Hamilton First Drive in a Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, has officially begun his new life with Ferrari, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. At 40 years old, Hamilton is embracing a fresh start, and his first proper run with the team has provided valuable insights into his progress.
Hamilton’s Pace
Hamilton’s pace during the morning session was not particularly impressive, with him finishing 12th on the timesheets. However, it’s essential to note that testing is notoriously difficult to gauge, as each driver and team have unique programs and objectives. Hamilton’s primary focus was on getting accustomed to the new car and fine-tuning its specifications for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The Positives
Despite the initial pace concerns, there were several positives to take away from Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari. Completing 70 laps of the track, equivalent to 235 miles, without any major reliability issues was a significant achievement. This milestone demonstrates the team’s hard work and dedication to ensuring a smooth transition for Hamilton.
Moreover, Hamilton’s enthusiasm and energy were palpable, a testament to the “new wave of life” he’s experiencing with Ferrari. After spending 12 years with Mercedes, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has injected a fresh sense of purpose and motivation. As he stated, “I just felt this new wave of life and energy.”
The Negatives
However, there are also challenges ahead for Hamilton. The limited testing time in F1’s new era of the cost cap means he has to adapt quickly to the new car. With only a handful of laps in the 2023 and 2024 specifications, Hamilton is still getting accustomed to the design, feel, and philosophy of the Ferrari car.
There were moments during the session where Hamilton struggled with the car’s handling, including a notable foray into the gravel trap at turn four. While these incidents were not alarming, they highlighted the need for Hamilton to continue fine-tuning his driving style to suit the Ferrari car.
His Former Team
Hamilton’s former team, Mercedes, also made a strong impression during the testing session. Kimi Antonelli, who replaced Hamilton at Mercedes, topped the timesheets in the earlier session, eclipsing Hamilton by half a second. This performance served as a reminder that Mercedes remains a formidable force in the paddock.
As Hamilton continues to settle into his new role with Ferrari, he will be keenly aware of the competition from his teammate, Charles Leclerc. Despite Hamilton’s impressive credentials, he was a second behind Leclerc at the end of the day’s running. While this deficit is not a cause for concern at this stage, it highlights the need for Hamilton to continue working tirelessly to optimize his performance.
Charles Leclerc
The rapport between Hamilton and Leclerc appears to be strong, with the pair engaging in a friendly chess rivalry. Leclerc revealed a 3-2 deficit to Hamilton in their head-to-heads, and a rematch is reportedly on the cards. As the on-track rivalry between the two drivers unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how Hamilton adapts to his new surroundings and responds to the challenges ahead.
