F1 news: Lewis Hamilton finds fresh confidence after driving new Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari remain at the centre of the Formula 1 spotlight in 2025, as their highly anticipated partnership kicks off with promise.
With the seven-time world champion embracing his fresh start in red, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo explores how Hamilton's early impressions suggest Ferrari may finally have all the pieces to end their title drought.
Putting the pieces together
Lewis Hamilton has wasted no time settling into his new home at Ferrari, and after taking the SF-25 for a spin at Fiorano, his belief in the team’s championship potential is stronger than ever.
The seven-time world champion is on a mission to claim an unprecedented eighth title, and his first with the Scuderia, which would cement his status as the first driver since Juan Manuel Fangio to win championships with three different teams.
Hamilton's transition to Ferrari has been marked by an overwhelming sense of excitement, a stark contrast to the struggles he endured at Mercedes in recent seasons.
The British driver has spoken extensively about the passion and commitment he has witnessed within Ferrari, describing it as unlike anything he has ever experienced.
“I've worked with two world championship-winning teams before, so I know what that environment feels like,” Hamilton explained.
“Ferrari [have] absolutely every ingredient needed to win. It’s just about putting the pieces together.”
Ferrari have not won a Drivers’ championship since Kimi Raikkonen’s triumph in 2007, and their last Constructors’ title came in 2008.
However, Hamilton is confident that under the leadership of team principal Frederic Vasseur, the team is poised to break that drought.
With a renewed sense of purpose and a meticulous approach to improvement, the Scuderia is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for glory.
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Revitalised and ready
At 40, Hamilton remains one of Formula 1’s most formidable competitors, and despite the challenges of recent years, his enthusiasm for the sport has been reignited.
The move to Ferrari represents a fresh challenge, one that he embraces with renewed vigour.
He admits that after so many years in F1, he never expected to feel this level of excitement again.
“I never thought that in my 19th season, I’d be this eager to wake up early, put in extra hours, and chase this dream,” he said.
“Winning a championship with Ferrari would be a first for me, and that’s what I’m focused on. I’m not thinking about an eighth title; I’m thinking about Ferrari’s first in a long time.”
Hamilton has also immersed himself in the Ferrari culture, even taking Italian lessons to better connect with the team.
His integration has been seamless, with many at Maranello impressed by his dedication and approachability.
Upon his arrival, he made a point to shake hands with as many of Ferrari’s 1,500 staff members as possible, a gesture that instantly endeared him to the team.
A perfect fit for Ferrari’s championship aspirations
The chemistry between Hamilton and his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, is already developing, with the two sharing mutual respect and even engaging in competitive chess matches off-track.
Team boss Vasseur believes Hamilton is the ideal driver to help push Ferrari to the next level, both in terms of performance and mentality.
“The collaboration between Charles and Lewis has started off in a great way,” Vasseur noted.
“We have a strong team, and with Hamilton’s experience, we have the right tools to fight for the championship.”
Ferrari came close to the Constructors’ title last season, missing out by just 14 points to McLaren.
With multiple teams expected to contend for race wins in 2025, the smallest improvements could be the difference between success and disappointment.
According to OLBG, the Scuderia are one of the favourites to win the Constructors’ Championship alongside McLaren having finished second in 2024.
Hamilton’s arrival brings invaluable experience and insight, elements Ferrari hopes will help them find the marginal gains needed to return to the top.
As the new season approaches, Hamilton is not just another driver joining Ferrari - he is a catalyst for change, a competitor who thrives on rewriting history.
His first laps in the SF-25 may have only been the beginning, but his confidence suggests that Ferrari’s long wait for championship glory might finally be coming to an end.
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