Ferrari: Hamilton takes subtle swipe at Mercedes as he embarks on new chapter – The start of the 2025 Formula One season brings with it one of the most anticipated moves in the sport’s history: Lewis Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari. The seven-time world champion’s decision to join the Scuderia has already made headlines, and his first impressions of the SF-24 suggest he is settling in well with his new team.
Hamilton’s first tests in the Ferrari car, at both Fiorano and Barcelona, have reportedly left him feeling optimistic. The Briton, who endured a difficult last season with Mercedes, appears to have been reinvigorated by his new surroundings. His recent comments suggest that the SF-24 offers a stark contrast to the Mercedes W15, the car he last drove in 2024.
Emotional beginnings: Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari
Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari officially began a few weeks ago with a visit to Maranello, where he received a warm welcome from the team and fans alike. The significance of the moment was not lost on him, as he expressed the depth of his emotions on social media.
“There are days you remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days,” said Hamilton. “I’ve been lucky enough to achieve things in my career that I never thought were possible, but part of me has always held on to the dream of racing in red.
“I couldn’t be happier to make that dream come true today. Today marks the start of a new era in the history of this iconic team and I can’t wait to see the story we will write together.”
Hamilton’s words reflect a sense of renewed enthusiasm, in stark contrast to his final months at Mercedes, where frustration with the car’s performance was evident throughout the 2024 season.
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Positive first impressions: Hamilton’s experience in the SF-24
Since his first outing in the SF-24, Hamilton has reportedly been impressed with the car’s handling and performance. According to Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, the British driver is far more comfortable in the Ferrari than he was in the Mercedes W15.
Hamilton got his first taste of the new car during a private session at Fiorano before heading to Barcelona for further testing. Despite an incident in Catalonia at the end of January, his feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Sources close to the team suggest that Hamilton has already developed a strong sense of confidence in the car, an early sign that Ferrari may have made significant progress in their 2025 development.
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A subtle dig at Mercedes?
Although Hamilton has yet to openly criticise his former team, his comments have hinted at the stark differences between Ferrari and Mercedes. His statement that he feels “much more comfortable” in the SF-24 than in the W15 could be interpreted as a veiled criticism of Mercedes’ recent struggles.
The 2024 season was one of disappointment for the Silver Arrows, who failed to mount a serious title challenge against Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari. Hamilton, in particular, has been vocal about his frustration, particularly with the car’s inconsistent performance and lack of development.
With his move to Ferrari, it appears that he may finally have the car he needs to challenge at the front once again.
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The new Ferrari era: Unveiling the SF-25
As anticipation builds for the 2025 season, Ferrari has scheduled a major public event in Milan to unveil its new driver line-up. On 6 March, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will make their first official public appearance together as Ferrari team-mates in Piazza Castello.
The event, organised in association with Unicredit, will be the perfect prelude to the team’s season opener in Melbourne on 16 March. For Leclerc, it will be his seventh year with the Scuderia, while for Hamilton it will be his first race in red – a moment eagerly awaited by fans around the world.
Ferrari have also confirmed that the new SF-25 will be officially unveiled on 18 March via the team’s social media channels. While an updated livery will be unveiled at a London event ahead of the full reveal, the real excitement lies in the Maranello launch, where Ferrari is expected to unveil a bold and radically different car.
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A revolutionary design? Ferrari’s ambitious approach
Inside Maranello, there is a sense of optimism. Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur has already hinted that the SF-25 will be a significant departure from its predecessor, with insiders suggesting that only “1%” of the car will remain unchanged from the 2024 model.
This aggressive design philosophy signals Ferrari’s intention to mount a serious championship challenge in 2025. After a season in which it narrowly missed out on the Constructors’ Championship – ultimately won by McLaren – the Scuderia is determined to regain its place at the top.
Testing and preparation: The road to Bahrain
Before the season begins, Ferrari will have crucial opportunities to fine-tune their new car. The SF-25 will complete its first laps at the Fiorano circuit on 19 February. Hamilton and Leclerc will each get the chance to drive the car for up to 200 kilometres – the maximum allowed for a day of filming – before an official team photo session.
The real test will come in Bahrain, where pre-season testing will take place from 26-28 February. This will be the first real indication of how Ferrari will fare against its rivals. Given the radical changes Ferrari have made to their car, all eyes will be on the Scuderia to see if they have finally built a machine capable of taking on Red Bull and McLaren.
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A season of anticipation
As the 2025 season approaches, the excitement surrounding Hamilton’s move to Ferrari continues to grow. His early impressions suggest he is fitting in well, and the team’s ambitious approach to car development has only fuelled speculation that they could be title contenders.
With the rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris set to intensify, Hamilton’s presence in a competitive Ferrari could add another layer of intrigue to what promises to be an exciting season. As he embarks on this new chapter, Hamilton appears rejuvenated and ready to chase an eighth world championship – this time in the famous Ferrari red.
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