After spending over a decade at Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton is now on a new journey with Ferrari, aiming for a record-breaking eighth world title.
The pre-season testing has revealed a lot about how he’s adjusting to his new team, and while McLaren led the way in the testing, Hamilton showed promising signs of being a serious contender this year.
Pre-Season Testing Results and What They Mean
In the three days of testing in Bahrain, McLaren set the fastest times, with Ferrari closely following behind as possibly the second-best team.
Mercedes, Hamilton’s previous team, secured the third spot, while Red Bull trailed in fourth.
However, these results come with a few caveats, especially considering the challenging weather conditions—cold, windy, and sometimes rainy—during the test.
We’ll know for sure how the teams stack up when the season opens in Melbourne on March 15 and 16.
Hamilton’s Transition to Ferrari
As Hamilton navigated the paddock in Bahrain, he made sure to stand out, not in his usual cutting-edge attire but instead in the Ferrari red uniform, like a new student trying to fit in at a prestigious school.
Though he’s known for zipping around the paddock on his scooter to dodge overzealous selfie seekers, Hamilton stuck to the team’s dress code and embraced his new role with the Scuderia.
The Buzz Around Hamilton
Despite his calm appearance, Hamilton remains a magnetic presence.
Photographers eagerly awaited his arrival at the press conference, reminiscent of the Michael Schumacher era.
Even though he was only a few minutes late—no big deal in a sport where seconds matter—his arrival sparked a flurry of camera clicks.
Hamilton has always been skilled at evading photographers when he wants to, but on this occasion, he seemed more relaxed and energized than ever before.
The Energy of the New Ferrari Team
Hamilton has been in the sport long enough to know when things feel right, and he’s clearly enjoying his fresh start with Ferrari.
After 12 years at Mercedes, which included plenty of triumphs but also three frustrating seasons, Hamilton expressed that the atmosphere at Ferrari feels “magic.”
This is a team filled with renewed energy, which could be just what Hamilton needs to finish his career with the ultimate triumph.
Ferrari’s President and Hamilton’s Rebirth
Ferrari’s president, John Elkann, was also present during the testing.
While it’s unusual for someone of his stature to attend such events, his presence seemed to symbolize the official welcoming of Hamilton into the fold.
Elkann, who had been the one to court Hamilton before he signed with Ferrari, wore his signature bright pink trousers and jumper.
It’s clear that Elkann is invested in Hamilton’s success with Ferrari and is hopeful for the upcoming season.
McLaren Leads the Charge
While Ferrari is looking strong, McLaren has clearly made big strides, with their drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri showing impressive pace during testing.
McLaren was consistently the fastest, sometimes by as much as a second a lap, though they may still face challenges over single-lap performance, which can be trickier when the car isn’t fueled up.
Williams, too, showed significant improvement, positioning themselves as potential contenders for midfield supremacy this season.
Aston Martin’s Struggles and New Hopes
Despite a massive financial injection from Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin didn’t quite meet their ambitious goals in testing.
But the team is hopeful, with legendary designer Adrian Newey set to join them at the Silverstone factory.
His expertise could be the key to improving their performance as they look to fight at the front in the future.
Hamilton vs. Leclerc: The New Dynamic
At Ferrari, Hamilton shares the garage with Charles Leclerc, who has been the team’s star driver in recent years.
While many expected tension between the two drivers, so far they’ve seemed to get along well, with Hamilton’s media team managing his every move, while Leclerc kept a lower profile.
Their conversations in Bahrain were focused on the car and their impressions of its performance, rather than anything else.
But the true test will come once the season gets underway.
Hamilton’s Passion and Drive
Despite facing a technical issue that cut short one of his planned race simulations, Hamilton is clearly reinvigorated.
Reflecting on his career, he said, “This is what I love, what I grew up dreaming of.” After 17 years in Formula 1, the hunger for victory remains strong.
Even with the challenges ahead, Hamilton is grateful for the sport and the opportunity to continue competing at the highest level.
It’s early days in red for Hamilton, but the possibility of a final championship run with Ferrari keeps his dream alive.
The upcoming season is sure to be a thrilling one, with Hamilton and Ferrari aiming for greatness together.