On the London night occasion on the O2 Enviornment, Lewis Hamilton’s eyes and expression have been similar to these of Gabriel Bortoleto, Kimi Antonelli, and Isack Hadjar. The joy of the three rookies, who’re about to contest their first Method 1 Grand Prix in a number 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 Method 1 season.
The primary side Lewis emphasised was his confidence within the group’s potential, strengthened by what he described as the suitable mindset to win the world championship. “Sure, I’ve no doubts,” he advised in an interview with the Italian every 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 group looks like. At Ferrari, everybody has a really calm method, and nobody thinks they’re good—the mentality is ‘we should preserve enhancing.’ And so they go away nothing to likelihood.” – the British driver identified.
Expectations? “It’s too early to understand how issues will go; we all know it will likely be a really shut season among the many high 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 observe alongside our rivals, so we are able to’t know their degree.”
On a extra private notice, 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 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 group’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 could 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 splendid 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’ve got an incredible 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 attributable to an influence unit concern), I mentioned he had a brilliant future forward of him. Immediately, Charles is just 27 years previous and could be very mature for his age—in all probability extra mature than I used to be at 27. He’s very skilled, well-integrated inside the group, and clearly very a lot cherished. It received’t be straightforward to beat him, however we’ll work collectively to make sure the group strikes in the suitable path.”
In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton can also be persevering with his efforts to be taught Italian—an indication of respect for the group but in addition an extra method 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, ultimately, we’re not compelled to. However I need individuals to know that I care, that I’m really keen 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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