Lewis Hamilton is brimming with confidence as he embarks on a new chapter with Ferrari, believing the team has everything required to help him secure a record-breaking eighth world championship. The British driver has spoken glowingly about the energy and passion within the Italian squad, describing the atmosphere as “magic” and reinforcing his belief that they can be serious title contenders.
Having moved from Mercedes after over a decade of success, Hamilton seems invigorated by his fresh start. He and his teammate, Charles Leclerc, took their new car, the SF-25, for a shakedown run at Fiorano, Ferrari’s test track. Following the session, Hamilton was asked directly if he thought the team could deliver him another title, to which he responded with an emphatic “yes.”
Ferrari’s illustrious history, boasting multiple world championships, is something Hamilton is keenly aware of, but he recognizes that competition at the front will be fierce. With the likes of Red Bull, McLaren, and his former team Mercedes all expected to be in the mix, the battle for the championship is set to be intense. However, Hamilton remains undeterred, praising the team’s mindset and the dedication he has witnessed since joining.
“The energy I am receiving from the team, there is magic here,” he said. “It’s going to take a lot of hard work and grafting from absolutely everyone, and they are already putting that in. It’s also about belief. Every single person here dreams of winning with Ferrari.”
Since making the move, Hamilton has spent considerable time at Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello, getting to know the team and immersing himself in their culture. He has personally met all 1,500 employees, shaking hands and familiarizing himself with the people who will be working to deliver a championship-winning car. His impression of the team’s dedication has only strengthened his confidence in their ability to compete at the highest level.
He emphasized that he knows what a winning team looks like, having secured championships with McLaren and Mercedes, and he sees those same characteristics within Ferrari. “The passion here is like nothing you have ever seen,” he said. “They have absolutely every ingredient you need to win a world championship, and it’s just about putting all the pieces together.”
Hamilton has also been impressed by the leadership at Ferrari, particularly team principal Frédéric Vasseur, along with key executives John Elkann and Benedetto Vigna. He believes their approach is exactly what the team needs to push for both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. “We have a great leader in Fred, and John and Benedetto bring a calm and focused approach. No one here believes they are perfect, but everyone wants to improve and leave no stone unturned,” he said.
Vasseur, who has now been at the helm for three seasons, shares the same enthusiasm. Having previously worked with Hamilton in GP2 in 2006, he understands the British driver’s qualities and sees him as an ideal fit for the team. “The pace is there, I have no doubt,” Vasseur said. “He isn’t the same driver he was back then he is much more mature and experienced now. He is exactly what I was looking for, for the team, for me, for Charles. I think it is the perfect combination.”
Ferrari enters the 2025 season on a high, having finished second in last year’s constructors’ championship, just 14 points behind McLaren. The SF-25 is an evolution of their highly competitive 2024 car, and expectations are that they will be fighting at the front from the opening race.
Vasseur has made it clear that the goal is to win both championships, and he is confident that Hamilton and Leclerc will push each other in a way that benefits the team. “If we want to perform, we need two drivers delivering at the highest level,” he said. “We need a positive competition between them, and I’m sure that will be the case.”
With the season opener in Melbourne on March 16, all eyes will be on Ferrari to see if they can deliver on their immense potential. Hamilton, with a fresh start and a new challenge, is more determined than ever to cement his place in history with an eighth world title.
