Lewis Hamilton is ready to begin his new chapter at Ferrari, not feeling any pressure to prove himself despite moving from Mercedes after 12 successful years. The seven-time world champion, now 40, believes the only pressure comes from within, driven by his own ambitions and goals.
Hamilton’s Transition to Ferrari
Reflecting on his shift to Ferrari, Hamilton shared that he does not feel the weight of external expectations. “I am under no assumptions it will be easy,” he said. “I don’t feel the pressure. The outside pressure is non-existent for me. The pressure is from within and what I want to achieve.” He emphasized that he’s not here to prove anything to anyone, as his previous accomplishments in F1 speak for themselves. His focus is on performing at his best for himself, his family, and the Ferrari team, which he believes deserves success.
Excitement for the Upcoming Season
Hamilton described the transition to Ferrari as “the most exciting period” of his life, adding, “I’m really enjoying it, and I’m so excited to get in the car.” He noted that the competition this season looks close, with Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes all vying for top positions. However, Hamilton acknowledged that he still has much to learn about the Ferrari car and team dynamics.
The Road to Peak Performance
“I am still learning this new car, which is quite a lot different to what I have driven all through my career,” Hamilton explained. The Ferrari power unit presents a new challenge compared to his previous experiences with Mercedes, requiring a period of adjustment. Hamilton is focused on building relationships with his new team, gaining their trust, and delivering optimal performances as quickly as possible.
Leclerc and the Ferrari Environment
Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s teammate at Ferrari, spoke highly of Hamilton’s work ethic and ability to integrate with the team. Despite the increased attention surrounding Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Leclerc is comfortable with the situation and understands the focus on his teammate. He also expressed confidence in Hamilton’s smooth transition to Ferrari, offering guidance where needed, particularly in adjusting to the team environment and food preferences.
Both Hamilton and Leclerc share the ultimate goal of becoming Formula 1 world champions, with Hamilton aiming for his record-breaking eighth title. Leclerc, on the other hand, views the championship as his one remaining goal in his career.
