On the London night occasion on the O2 Area, Lewis Hamilton’s eyes and expression had been akin to these of Gabriel Bortoleto, Kimi Antonelli, and Isack Hadjar. The thrill of the three rookies, who’re about to contest their first Formulation 1 Grand Prix in a couple of 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 combo 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 correct mindset to win the world championship. “Sure, I’ve no doubts,” he advised in an interview with the Italian every day newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’ve labored previously 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 strategy, and nobody thinks they’re excellent—the mentality is ‘we should maintain bettering.’ And so they go away nothing to probability.” – the British driver identified.
Expectations? “It’s too early to know the way issues will go; we all know it is going to be a really shut season among the many high groups. I’m adapting to a brand new method of working, and the objective is to be prepared for the primary race. However clearly, we haven’t but been on monitor alongside our rivals, so we will’t know their degree.”
On a extra private observe, Lewis Hamilton shocked many by stating that if he had 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 might imply turning into a part of this group’s historical past.”
And once more: “If I had been lucky sufficient to win one other title, which is clearly what we’re working in the direction of, I don’t see myself able to cease.” This response got here when requested whether or not he can be ready to depart 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 splendid state of affairs, 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 a fantastic relationship, and I contemplate him a really robust driver. A few years in the past in Bahrain (in 2019, throughout Leclerc’s second race with Ferrari when he misplaced the victory as a result of an influence unit situation), I mentioned he had a shiny future forward of him. Right this moment, Charles is barely 27 years outdated and may be very mature for his age—most likely extra mature than I used to be at 27. He’s very skilled, well-integrated throughout the group, and clearly very a lot beloved. It received’t be straightforward to beat him, however we are going to work collectively to make sure the group strikes in the correct course.”
In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton can also be persevering with his efforts to be taught Italian—an indication of respect for the group but additionally an extra method 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 straightforward as a result of, in the long run, we’re not pressured to. However I need folks to know that I care, that I’m actually keen to do no matter it takes to slot in. It’s a troublesome problem, however I like being on the manufacturing facility in Maranello as a result of it additionally permits me to apply day-after-day.”
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