On the London night occasion on the O2 Enviornment, Lewis Hamilton’s eyes and expression have been akin to these of Gabriel Bortoleto, Kimi Antonelli, and Isack Hadjar. The joy of the three rookies, who’re about to contest their first Formulation 1 Grand Prix in just a few weeks, was anticipated—far much less in order that of a seven-time world champion with 356 Grand Prix begins and 105 wins. Lower than 24 hours after the London occasion, throughout a media session in Maranello, Lewis Hamilton reiterated the combination of enthusiasm and optimism that’s guiding him into his nineteenth Formulation 1 season.
The primary facet Lewis emphasised was his confidence within the group’s potential, strengthened by what he described as the suitable mindset to win the world championship. “Sure, I’ve no doubts,” he advised in an interview with the Italian day by day newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’ve labored prior to now with two groups (McLaren and Mercedes) which have each received world championships, so I do know what a successful group looks like. At Ferrari, everybody has a really calm method, and nobody thinks they’re excellent—the mentality is ‘we should preserve bettering.’ They usually depart nothing to probability.” – the British driver identified.
Expectations? “It’s too early to understand how issues will go; we all know it is going to be a really shut season among the many prime groups. I’m adapting to a brand new method of working, and the aim is to be prepared for the primary race. However clearly, we haven’t but been on observe alongside our rivals, so we will’t know their degree.”
On a extra private word, Lewis Hamilton shocked many by stating that if he have been to win one other world title, for him, it will be his… first. “It’s not about successful an eighth title—for me, it will be the primary, my first World Championship with Ferrari. It could imply changing into a part of this group’s historical past.”
And once more: “If I have been lucky sufficient to win one other title, which is clearly what we’re working in direction of, I don’t see myself able to cease.” This response got here when requested whether or not he could be ready to go away if, on the finish of 2025, he discovered himself celebrating an eighth world championship. The reply was clear—no. His need is to proceed, as his two-year contract signed in January 2024 already suggests.
In Hamilton’s excellent situation, Charles Leclerc additionally performs a key function. On this case, Lewis confirmed what Charles himself had beforehand talked about—that the beginning of their working and private relationship has been glorious.
“We’ve an excellent relationship, and I contemplate him a really sturdy driver. A few years in the past in Bahrain (in 2019, throughout Leclerc’s second race with Ferrari when he misplaced the victory because of an influence unit concern), I stated he had a brilliant future forward of him. At this time, Charles is simply 27 years outdated and could be very mature for his age—in all probability extra mature than I used to be at 27. He’s very skilled, well-integrated throughout the group, and clearly very a lot cherished. It received’t be simple to beat him, however we’ll work collectively to make sure the group strikes in the suitable course.”
In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton can be persevering with his efforts to study Italian—an indication of respect for the group but additionally an extra strategy to combine completely into the working group. “For a few years, I’ve dreamed of studying one other language, however for the English, it’s not simple as a result of, ultimately, we’re not compelled to. However I need individuals to know that I care, that I’m actually prepared to do no matter it takes to slot in. It’s a troublesome problem, however I like being on the manufacturing unit in Maranello as a result of it additionally permits me to apply on daily basis.”
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