Lewis Hamilton suffers two accidents that risks inju…read more
In the lead-up to the 2025 Formula One season, Lewis Hamilton, now 40, has encountered a series of incidents that have raised concerns about his safety and adaptation to his new team, Ferrari. After a 12-year tenure with Mercedes, during which he secured six world championships, Hamilton’s transition to the iconic Italian team has been anything but smooth.
Promotional Event in Milan: A Close Call
On March 6, 2025, Hamilton and his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, participated in a promotional event in Milan’s Piazza Castello, organized by Ferrari’s sponsor, UniCredit. The event attracted approximately 35,000 fans, eager to witness the Scuderia’s new driver lineup in action. Hamilton drove the SF21, while Leclerc was behind the wheel of the SF90, both performing tire burnouts and synchronized driving maneuvers to entertain the enthusiastic crowd.
During the event, Hamilton experienced a minor mishap. As he exited the cockpit to acknowledge the fans, he stepped onto the front left tire, unaware that the car had been jacked up. This caused the tire to rotate unexpectedly, leading Hamilton to momentarily lose his balance. Fortunately, he landed safely on the stationary tire beneath him and dismounted without injury. Such an incident could have resulted in an ankle injury, potentially jeopardizing his debut race with Ferrari at the upcoming Australian Grand Prix.
Pre-Season Testing in Bahrain: A Series of Unfortunate Events
The week prior to the Milan event, during pre-season testing in Bahrain, Hamilton faced multiple challenges. The testing sessions were marred by several disruptions, including a random bus entering the track, which led to a red flag situation. Additionally, shattered glass from a start-finish box panel and the unexpected presence of a quad bike on the track further interrupted the proceedings.
Amid these disruptions, Hamilton encountered a peculiar incident. While navigating the paddock area, he boarded a golf cart, opting to sit on the back. However, he lost his balance and had to jump off hastily while the cart was still in motion. He quickly regained his composure, but the episode highlighted the unpredictable nature of the testing environment that week.
Barcelona Testing: A Significant Setback
Earlier in the pre-season, Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari faced a significant hurdle during a private testing session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. While driving the 2023-spec Ferrari, Hamilton lost control in the final sector of the track, resulting in a crash that caused substantial damage to the car’s suspension and aerodynamic components. Fortunately, Hamilton emerged unscathed from the incident.
The crash not only delayed Ferrari’s testing schedule but also postponed teammate Charles Leclerc’s planned session. The team had to dispatch a composites specialist to assess and repair the damage, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Hamilton’s Perspective and Resilience
Despite these challenges, Hamilton has maintained a positive outlook. Addressing the Barcelona crash, he acknowledged the incident as part of the learning curve with his new team, emphasizing the importance of understanding the car’s limits. His resilience and determination remain evident as he prepares for the season opener in Melbourne.
Looking Ahead: The Australian Grand Prix
The 2025 Formula One season is set to commence with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has reignited hopes among the Tifosi for a championship title, a feat the team hasn’t achieved since 2008. As Hamilton embarks on this new chapter, the motorsport world will be keenly observing how he navigates these initial hurdles and whether he can steer Ferrari back to championship glory.
In conclusion, while Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has been fraught with unexpected challenges and incidents, his experience and unwavering focus suggest that he remains a formidable contender. The upcoming races will be crucial in determining how quickly he can adapt and whether these early setbacks will galvanize his pursuit of an unprecedented eighth world championship.
