Lewis Hamilton “trained like mad” before Ferrari test as McLaren comparison… read more
Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has been marked by intense preparation, as his father, Anthony Hamilton, shares rare insights into his son’s efforts ahead of his debut season with the Italian team. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion recently completed a 30-lap test at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit, marking a significant milestone in his high-profile move from Mercedes. This test was Hamilton’s first on-track appearance for Ferrari, as he gears up for what will be his first season with the Scuderia.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has generated considerable excitement, especially with the 2025 season presenting him with a chance to secure a record-breaking eighth world title. The Scuderia, one of the most storied teams in F1, is hoping to end a 16-year drought without a championship title, and Hamilton’s arrival has bolstered hopes for a successful campaign. Anthony Hamilton, who accompanied his son to the Maranello headquarters, has emphasized that Lewis has been “training like mad” in preparation for the new chapter in his career. He also highlighted that his son’s “focus and belief are total” as he readies himself for the challenges ahead.
Reflecting on Lewis’s early days in Formula 1, Anthony Hamilton drew a parallel between his son’s transition to Ferrari and his first days at McLaren back in 2007. The comparison draws attention to the excitement and anticipation that surrounded both moves, as Hamilton embarked on his journey with a new team at different stages of his career.
In the 2025 season, Hamilton will team up with Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s star driver, as the team looks to bounce back from a narrow second-place finish in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, where they were pipped to the title by McLaren. This partnership is expected to be a pivotal aspect of Ferrari’s title challenge, with both drivers possessing immense talent and the potential to take Ferrari to the top of the standings.
Lewis Hamilton’s debut test at Ferrari was an emotional experience for him. After completing the 30 laps at Fiorano, Hamilton expressed how it felt like “one of the best feelings of my life.” He shared that starting the car and driving through the garage door gave him a sense of joy and nostalgia, recalling the very first time he tested a Formula 1 car nearly two decades ago. “It was such an exciting and special moment,” he said, clearly moved by the occasion.
Hamilton also expressed deep appreciation for the Ferrari team, noting the palpable passion that runs through the organization, from the staff to the fervent tifosi (Ferrari fans). He had already known about the team’s enthusiasm from an outsider’s perspective but said that experiencing it firsthand as a Ferrari driver was awe-inspiring. This passion, he noted, is contagious, and it energizes him as he prepares for the new season.
In addition to his test session, Hamilton had the chance to visit Ferrari’s famous Maranello headquarters for the first time, which served as another milestone in his new journey with the team. During his visit, he also dined at Ristorante Montana, a favorite restaurant of the legendary Michael Schumacher, further deepening his connection with the Ferrari legacy.
With the season opener in Australia fast approaching, Hamilton’s focus remains sharp as he and Ferrari aim to challenge for the championship in 2025. While he acknowledged that there is still much work to do, he expressed his excitement for what lies ahead, both for him and the team, as they embark on this new chapter together.