Hamilton reveals magnitude of ‘upside down’ Ferrari v Mercedes difference…read more
Lewis Hamilton is set to embark on a new chapter in his illustrious F1 career, leaving Mercedes after 12 seasons and joining Ferrari. The seven-time World Champion’s transition to the iconic Italian team is generating significant excitement, as fans hope it will lead to a title challenge in the 2025 season. However, the adaptation process is not without its challenges.
Hamilton, who has spent his entire F1 career racing with Mercedes power units, is now faced with the task of adjusting to Ferrari’s car and team dynamics. His comments suggest that the change is more than just a different feel from the engine. The veteran driver revealed that even the “race-trace” – the visual layout of the track data – is “upside down” compared to what he’s used to from his previous team, highlighting the depth of the adjustment he’s undergoing.
The shift in power units is one of the major factors. Hamilton explained that the Ferrari car provides a different sensation on the track, with distinct vibrations and handling characteristics compared to the Mercedes machines he has grown accustomed to. He also mentioned the shift in how Ferrari operates as a team, which further complicates his learning process.
Despite the steep learning curve, Hamilton remains optimistic and calm about his transition. At a press conference before the season-opening race in Melbourne, he expressed that the pressure he feels is entirely self-imposed. He’s not concerned about external expectations, as he holds himself to a high standard and is focused on doing his best for Ferrari. “I come with a very open mind,” Hamilton said, emphasizing his readiness to get into a good rhythm with his new team. He stressed that the goal for the weekend is simply to establish a consistent flow, both on and off the track.
Hamilton has already spent a considerable amount of time with Ferrari, including four days of testing with a previous car model, as well as participating in Pirelli tire tests and pre-season testing. However, he acknowledged that adjusting to a new team and car will take time, and it’s likely to take him at least half of the 2025 season to feel fully settled.
As for the competitive landscape, McLaren is being seen as one of the top teams heading into the new season, while Ferrari believes their SF-25 car is well-aligned with expectations and responds positively to setup changes. Despite this, Hamilton remains excited by the challenge and the opportunity to work with a team he has long admired. With the first race of the season just around the corner, Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is about to begin, and the Tifosi are eager to see what he can achieve with his new team.
