With less than a month until the new Formula One season, Lewis Hamilton has expressed his excitement about his move to Ferrari, calling it “the challenge that I really needed.” The seven-time world champion, after spending 12 years at Mercedes, is stepping into a new chapter of his career with a clear goal in mind: “The number one goal is to win.”
A Move That Shook Formula One
Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari sent shockwaves through the motorsport world. Even he admits that the impact of his arrival at the iconic Italian team exceeded his expectations.
“When I was making the decision, I knew it would be big. Did I know just how big? ‘How long is a piece of string?’” he told CNN, smiling. “It’s been the most exciting couple of months that I can remember having.”
The Iconic Arrival
This is only Hamilton’s second team switch in nearly two decades of racing, making his move to Ferrari even more significant. His first official day with the team was marked by a striking image—Hamilton in a black suit, standing beside a Ferrari F40 in front of the legendary Enzo Ferrari farmhouse.
“I knew exactly what suit I wanted, and I chose the F40 because it’s just a dream, an iconic car,” Hamilton explained. “To be in front of that building, where so much history has been made, I knew it would be an image that would stand the test of time.”
Managing Expectations
The combination of one of the sport’s most successful drivers with one of its most prestigious teams has raised hopes that Hamilton could secure a record-breaking eighth world championship.
Though his last title came in 2020, Hamilton ended his Mercedes career on a high note, securing two race wins in 2024 after two winless seasons. However, competition in 2025 will be fierce, with Max Verstappen aiming for his fifth consecutive title and Lando Norris emerging as a strong contender.
Despite the high expectations, Hamilton remains grounded. “Honestly, I haven’t thought about winning yet,” he admitted. “It’s a steep learning curve—new culture, new car, different behaviors, new systems. It’s like a blank canvas, and I’m adding my colors to an already great mix.”
“A Power That’s Unmeasured”
Ferrari last won a Drivers’ Championship in 2007 with Kimi Räikkönen, and their last Constructors’ Championship came in 2008. Still, the team showed progress last season, finishing just 14 points behind McLaren.
For Hamilton, the biggest revelation so far has been Ferrari’s unique passion and fanbase. “I knew there was passion within the team, but until you’re inside, you don’t truly see it,” he shared. “To be in the red suit and on the receiving end of that energy—it’s ‘Wow.’ I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Winning is All I Care About Now”
Beyond the racetrack, Hamilton has become an advocate for diversity and inclusion in motorsport, using his Mission 44 charity to drive change. However, for now, his focus is solely on winning.
This week, he got his first taste of Ferrari’s new SF-25 model at the team’s private racetrack in Italy. Preseason testing kicks off in Bahrain on February 26, with the first race in Melbourne on March 16.“I have a great rapport with Fred (Vasseur, Team Principal) and the team,” Hamilton said. “They understand and embrace that I’m different and have other interests, but there’s no doubt—the number one focus and goal is to win. That’s all I care about right now.”