On the London night occasion on the O2 Enviornment, Lewis Hamilton’s eyes and expression had 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 combo of enthusiasm and optimism that’s guiding him into his nineteenth System 1 season.
The primary side Lewis emphasised was his confidence within the workforce’s potential, strengthened by what he described as the fitting mindset to win the world championship. “Sure, I’ve no doubts,” he advised 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 successful workforce looks like. At Ferrari, everybody has a really calm method, and nobody thinks they’re good—the mentality is ‘we should hold enhancing.’ And so they depart nothing to likelihood.” – 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 approach of working, and the objective is to be prepared for the primary race. However clearly, we haven’t but been on observe alongside our rivals, so we will’t know their degree.”
On a extra private word, Lewis Hamilton shocked many by stating that if he had been to win one other world title, for him, it might be his… first. “It’s not about successful an eighth title—for me, it might be the primary, my first World Championship with Ferrari. It could imply changing into a part of this workforce’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 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 want is to proceed, as his two-year contract signed in January 2024 already suggests.
In Hamilton’s best situation, 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’ve an important 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 problem), I stated he had a brilliant future forward of him. At this time, Charles is just 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 inside the workforce, and clearly very a lot cherished. It received’t be straightforward to beat him, however we’ll work collectively to make sure the workforce strikes in the fitting course.”
In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton can be persevering with his efforts to study Italian—an indication of respect for the workforce but in addition an extra option 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 compelled to. However I need 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 facility in Maranello as a result of it additionally permits me to follow each day.”
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