On the London night occasion on the O2 Enviornment, Lewis Hamilton’s eyes and expression had 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 System 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 combo of enthusiasm and optimism that’s guiding him into his nineteenth System 1 season.
The primary facet Lewis emphasised was his confidence within the crew’s potential, strengthened by what he described as the proper mindset to win the world championship. “Sure, I’ve no doubts,” he instructed in an interview with the Italian day by day newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’ve labored up to now with two groups (McLaren and Mercedes) which have each received world championships, so I do know what a profitable crew looks like. At Ferrari, everybody has a really calm strategy, and nobody thinks they’re excellent—the mentality is ‘we should preserve bettering.’ They usually 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 will likely be a really shut season among the many prime groups. I’m adapting to a brand new means of working, and the aim 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 degree.”
On a extra private be aware, Lewis Hamilton stunned 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 profitable an eighth title—for me, it will be the primary, my first World Championship with Ferrari. It might imply changing into a part of this crew’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 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 want is to proceed, as his two-year contract signed in January 2024 already suggests.
In Hamilton’s ideally suited situation, Charles Leclerc additionally performs a key position. 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 have now an awesome relationship, and I think about 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 as a consequence of an influence unit concern), I mentioned he had a shiny future forward of him. Right now, Charles is simply 27 years outdated and could 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 crew, and clearly very a lot liked. It received’t be simple to beat him, however we are going to work collectively to make sure the crew strikes in the proper route.”
In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton can also be persevering with his efforts to study Italian—an indication of respect for the crew but in addition an extra solution 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, in the long run, we’re not pressured 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 facility in Maranello as a result of it additionally permits me to apply every single day.”
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