Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur have granted one Lewis Hamilton demand that Toto Wolff reject…read more
Lewis Hamilton is preparing to officially begin his career as a Ferrari driver, with his first days at Maranello scheduled for next week. His initial activities will involve meetings, simulator sessions, and a track test at the Fiorano circuit. However, Ferrari is being intentionally secretive about the details of Hamilton’s test to avoid attracting crowds of fans. The team’s principal, Fred Vasseur, is keen to maintain a low profile, believing that both Hamilton and Ferrari will benefit from focusing solely on their work without distractions from the public. If the fans knew when Hamilton would be on track, it’s likely thousands of Tifosi would turn out to catch a glimpse of the seven-time world champion.
Hamilton, who has had a challenging 2024 season, is in need of a fresh start. It was widely agreed within Mercedes that the Briton needed a change after his toughest season in Formula 1. The Silver Arrows struggled throughout the year, finishing fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, a staggering 200 points behind champions McLaren. This underperformance led to the arrival of up-and-coming talent Kimi Antonelli, expected to help revitalize the team, and Hamilton himself seemed to be searching for a new challenge.
Despite his disappointing 2024, there are reports suggesting Hamilton has already signed a three-year contract with Ferrari, which would take him through to the end of the 2027 season. This has led to speculation that Ferrari may have put their full trust in the British driver. However, while the contract’s length has not been officially confirmed, it is believed Hamilton may have agreed to an initial two-year deal with the possibility of extending it for a third year if both sides are satisfied.
This potential three-year agreement would be a significant commitment from Ferrari, especially considering Hamilton’s recent form. However, his career achievements, which include breaking numerous F1 records, likely played a role in the team’s decision. Vasseur, who has only just started his tenure as team principal, will be hoping Hamilton can regain his form and prove that 2024 was simply an anomaly due to the peculiarities of the W15 car. If Hamilton can match or even outperform teammate Charles Leclerc, the 2024 season could be viewed as a blip rather than the start of a decline.
However, the pressure on Hamilton is considerable. The F1 paddock is waiting to see if he can still compete at the highest level, and the 2025 season will be crucial in proving he is not in decline. One particular area that Hamilton will need to avoid is the type of errors that have occasionally marred his career, such as the infamous mistake of driving into McLaren’s pit box when he first joined Mercedes. A repeat of such a gaffe would cost him valuable seconds during a race and hinder his performance, so he must be extra cautious as he adapts to Ferrari’s operations.
In conclusion, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari represents a new chapter in his illustrious F1 career. The team is focused on giving him the space to refocus and prove that he can still compete at the top level, despite the struggles of 2024. With a potential long-term contract in place, the stakes for Hamilton are high as he looks to show that he is far from finished in Formula 1.
