Lewis Hamilton is about to hitch a Ferrari group that narrowly missed out on the constructors’ championship this 12 months, with the Italian aspect ending simply 14 factors behind McLaren—the closest margin since 2006. This end result means that the Maranello group will be seen as on the verge of breaking their title drought, which has continued for the reason that 2008 Components 1 marketing campaign. With steady rules forward of the key 2026 overhaul, most groups are approaching the efficiency ceiling of their present ideas, placing Ferrari in prime place to capitalize.
Reflecting on their season, it’s simple to pinpoint moments the place Ferrari misplaced important factors. Carlos Sainz’s absence in Saudi Arabia, regardless of Oliver Bearman’s strong seventh-place end as a stand-in, probably value them invaluable outcomes. Moreover, a double retirement on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Canada and Carlos Sainz’s crashes in Azerbaijan and Qatar compounded their setbacks. These missed alternatives underline how shut Ferrari got here to reclaiming glory.
Regardless of the Spaniard’s sturdy performances, Ferrari opted to half methods with him after seven-time Components 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton expressed his readiness to hitch. It’s a daring transfer, with Hamilton seen as the ultimate ingredient to rework Ferrari’s promise into championship-winning type. His arrival coincides with Ferrari’s best season in over a decade, an indication that his timing might as soon as once more be impeccable.
Ferrari group principal Frederic Vasseur has hinted that Hamilton’s debut automobile shall be a game-changer. Opposite to expectations of an evolutionary replace, Ferrari plans to take a revolutionary method to their 2025 challenger. Talking on the *AutoHebdo* podcast, journalist Dorian Grangier described this technique as a “threat.” Whereas it holds the potential for excellent rewards, there’s additionally the hazard that Ferrari may slip behind rivals Mercedes and Pink Bull, doubtlessly changing into solely the fourth-fastest group if the gamble fails.
Ferrari’s improvement efforts in 2024 delivered blended outcomes. Though they got here near producing the perfect total bundle, a mid-season misstep with an improve prompted pricey points with bouncing. Studies from the Italian every day newspaper Corriere della Sera recommend Ferrari is planning a major suspension overhaul through the low season. Notably, Loic Serra, who labored carefully with the British driver at Mercedes, will spearhead the event of Ferrari’s new chassis—an element that might present Hamilton with a well-known edge as he takes on his subsequent problem.
Dorian Grangier talked about that he didn’t take into account McLaren to be a significant favourite for 2025, stating that, in his view, the dynamics at Ferrari have been presently stronger. He additionally famous that, in keeping with Frederic Vasseur, the group’s automobile for the brand new season wouldn’t merely be an evolution however a very new design. The journalist acknowledged that this method carried dangers, however identified that Ferrari had taken an identical threat this 12 months and it had paid off, suggesting that they could as effectively give it one other attempt.
The potential for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to change into a great teammate pairing at Ferrari is changing into more and more clear. Lewis Hamilton might have the chance to get behind the wheel of his new Ferrari earlier than the official winter testing begins, as groups are allowed two filming days, although these are topic to restricted mileage and the usage of particular tyres. Even with these restrictions, any further mileage shall be invaluable for the 39-year-old driver, who faces the problem of adapting to not solely a brand new automobile but in addition a special group atmosphere. As well as, Hamilton may have the possibility to drive an older Ferrari mannequin at Fiorano with out these limitations, additional aiding his transition.
Then again, the Monegasque driver has been part of the Ferrari household since 2019, which means he’s already deeply ingrained within the Maranello group’s operations and tradition, giving him a definite benefit, particularly through the early phases of the upcoming season. The bond between the 2 drivers is obvious, as seen of their heat embrace within the F1 paddock after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which underscored the mutual respect they share. This sturdy relationship means that Ferrari might have discovered the right teammate duo for the 2025 Components 1 marketing campaign, able to working collectively harmoniously each on and off the observe.
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