Lewis Hamilton is about to reconnect with a well-known face at Ferrari this month, as Loic Serra, his former Mercedes colleague, takes on the function of technical director for chassis growth. Serra, who performed a key function in Hamilton’s six championship wins at Mercedes between 2014 and 2020, joined Ferrari final October after a stint as head of auto efficiency at BMW Sauber and later at Mercedes. His arrival, alongside ex-Mercedes deputy crew principal Jerome D’Ambrosio, bolsters Ferrari’s technical management underneath Fred Vasseur.
Whereas Hamilton’s trusted race engineer, Peter Bonnington, selected to stay at Brackley to information teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli, the presence of Serra and D’Ambrosio at Maranello ought to ease the 40-year-old’s transition. Hamilton is about to check a Ferrari F1 automobile for the primary time inside the subsequent two weeks.
Loic Serra’s push for key automobile modifications forward of Hamilton’s debut
In response to Motorsport Italy, Serra has already made important contributions to Ferrari’s 2025 growth. Though a lot of the automobile’s design was finalized earlier than his arrival, Serra has reportedly requested crucial changes aimed toward altering its basic habits. His major focus has been on the suspension system, particularly focusing on torsion bars and shock absorbers to enhance tyre efficiency.
Ferrari struggled with tyre administration all through 2024, securing solely 4 pole positions, tied for third with Mercedes. The crew usually didn’t convey the tyres as much as optimum temperature earlier than the beginning of qualifying laps, which harm their efficiency within the preliminary sectors. Drivers like Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz typically overcompensated by pushing too arduous, which led to a lack of grip within the ultimate corners.
Loic Serra’s experience, which incorporates expertise with former F1 tyre provider Michelin, positions him as an authority on addressing these points. His proposed modifications goal to scale back overheating and broaden the tyres’ working window, permitting drivers to push tougher with much less danger of degradation. If profitable, these modifications could possibly be particularly advantageous for Hamilton, whose qualifying struggles have been exacerbated by tyre overheating throughout his ultimate years at Mercedes.
Adjusting Hamilton’s driving model to swimsuit Ferrari’s automobile
Hamilton’s efficiency in qualifying has been a focus of criticism. Final yr, he was crushed 19-5 in head-to-head battles in opposition to George Russell, usually leaving him unable to capitalize on the W15’s race tempo. This marked a pointy distinction to the years when he appeared to have a seamless reference to Mercedes’ equipment.
Ferrari’s automobile, powered by their very own engine, will demand a major adjustment from Lewis Hamilton, who has spent his whole profession counting on Mercedes energy items. The Ferrari engine’s traits would require a distinct method, significantly in how Hamilton manages throttle inputs on nook exits.
This adaptation course of may give Charles Leclerc an edge within the early a part of the season, because the Monegasque driver is already well-acquainted with Ferrari’s dealing with traits. Nonetheless, Hamilton’s confirmed skill to adapt and optimize his efficiency may make him a formidable contender as soon as he will get snug along with his new setup.
With Loic Serra’s technical experience and Ferrari’s renewed give attention to addressing their tyre administration points, the partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc may turn into one of the crucial thrilling dynamics of the 2025 F1 season.
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