On the London night occasion on the O2 Area, Lewis Hamilton’s eyes and expression have been corresponding to these of Gabriel Bortoleto, Kimi Antonelli, and Isack Hadjar. The thrill of the three rookies, who’re about to contest their first System 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 combination of enthusiasm and optimism that’s guiding him into his nineteenth System 1 season.
The primary facet Lewis emphasised was his confidence within the staff’s potential, strengthened by what he described as the precise mindset to win the world championship. “Sure, I’ve no doubts,” he informed in an interview with the Italian each day newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’ve labored prior to now with two groups (McLaren and Mercedes) which have each gained world championships, so I do know what a successful staff appears like. At Ferrari, everybody has a really calm method, and nobody thinks they’re excellent—the mentality is ‘we should maintain bettering.’ And so they depart nothing to probability.” – the British driver identified.
Expectations? “It’s too early to understand how issues will go; we all know will probably be a really shut season among the many prime groups. I’m adapting to a brand new method of working, and the purpose is to be prepared for the primary race. However clearly, we haven’t but been on monitor alongside our rivals, so we are able to’t know their stage.”
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 will imply turning into a part of this staff’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 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 superb 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 wonderful.
“We now have an important relationship, and I think about 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 resulting from an influence unit concern), I stated he had a vivid future forward of him. Right this moment, Charles is simply 27 years previous and may 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 staff, and clearly very a lot cherished. It gained’t be simple to beat him, however we’ll work collectively to make sure the staff strikes in the precise course.”
In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton can also be persevering with his efforts to study Italian—an indication of respect for the staff but additionally an extra approach 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 pressured to. However I would like folks to know that I care, that I’m really 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 observe every single day.”
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