Lewis Hamilton has made a smooth transition into life as a Ferrari driver, impressing during his early test outings at Fiorano and Barcelona ahead of the 2025 F1 season.
The seven-time world champion has been immersed in an extensive Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program, along with a dedicated Pirelli tyre test, as Ferrari ensures he is fully prepared for his debut season with their power unit. Until now, Hamilton has exclusively raced with Mercedes engines since making his F1 debut in 2007.
His first taste of Ferrari machinery at Fiorano was met with enthusiasm from over 1,000 fans, though thick fog and the threat of rain prevented him from fully pushing the limits. However, in a private session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Lewis Hamilton had the freedom to unleash more performance—only for his running to be cut short by an unexpected crash at Turn 12.
Despite the setback, Lewis Hamilton quickly regrouped and returned for Ferrari’s Pirelli tyre test, which not only allowed him to familiarize himself with the Scuderia’s modified 2024 car but also provided the team with a chance to simulate the aerodynamic regulations set for the 2026 season.
Lewis Hamilton ‘immediately’ more comfortable in Ferrari than in his last Mercedes
The SF-23—while victorious in Singapore under Carlos Sainz—was widely regarded as a tricky car to master, as was its successor, the SF-24. However, according to the Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the British driver found himself “immediately” at ease in both models, despite the difficulties Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz experienced.
Even more telling was that Hamilton reportedly felt more comfortable in Ferrari’s previous machines than he did in his final Mercedes cars. While he managed to secure victories at Silverstone and Spa in 2024, the season ultimately marked his lowest championship finish in F1.
Lewis Hamilton believed something was ‘seriously wrong’ with the 2024 Mercedes
Eddie Jordan has since revealed that Hamilton privately expressed serious concerns about the Mercedes W15, believing there was a fundamental flaw with the rear of the car. Struggling to find confidence in its unpredictable handling, Hamilton often found himself unable to extract the full potential from the package.
The fact that he has quickly adapted to Ferrari’s notoriously difficult SF-23 and SF-24 suggests a promising start to his tenure in red. However, concerns remain that the FIA’s clampdown on flexible front wings could negatively impact Ferrari’s performance, with porpoising potentially returning as an issue.
The British driver’s debut season with Ferrari is already shaping up to be an intriguing battle—one where comfort, adaptability, and experience could prove decisive in his quest for an eighth world title.
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