What are the next steps for Ferrari? Sky Italia commentator shares his opinion. Sky Italia commentator emphasized the importance of Ferrari's behind-the-scenes work.

The new adventure of Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari has officially begun, and the seven-time world champion seems to already be embracing his new role in red with enthusiasm. Matteo Bobbi, in his latest video posted on his YouTube channel, shared his thoughts on the British driver’s first steps in Maranello and the path that lies ahead of him before his official race debut. Below are his words.

Looking back at recent days, Bobbi stated: “In the last video, we discussed Lewis Hamilton’s first week in red, from his arrival in Maranello, to the work he did with the engineers, followed by his time in the simulator, and finally, his debut on the Fiorano track on a foggy, rainy, wintery, and cold day, as is typical at this time of year. But it was also very warm because the public’s response was truly phenomenal.”

“It wasn’t expected to see so many people, so much hype, and so much desire for Formula 1,” Matteo Bobbi emphasized, highlighting how the enthusiasm of the fans even moved a driver accustomed to major stages like Hamilton.

While Fiorano provided an initial taste, from January 28 to 30, the Ferrari team will head to Barcelona for a crucial test. On a more technical and demanding circuit, Lewis Hamilton and the team will have the opportunity to take another step forward in their acclimatization process. “The Spanish track is nothing like Fiorano. It’s much more challenging and real, with fast corners,” explained Bobbi. These tests, part of the TPC (Test Previous Car) regulations, will be limited to a maximum of 1,000 kilometers per team but will be vital for developing the driver’s connection with the car.

For Lewis Hamilton, it will be crucial to use these days to get accustomed to the starting system. Some settings on the steering wheel will likely be adjusted, as for instance, the one used at Fiorano was Charles Leclerc’s, with no specific requests from the driver. They will continue their bonding process, also working on the setup and beginning to understand the driver’s preferences and what he needs to perform at his best.

Immediately after Barcelona, on February 4 and 5, Lewis Hamilton will be involved in another important event: the Pirelli test for the development of 2026 tires, this time with a modified SF-24. These two days will complete an intense program that also includes simulator sessions, which are crucial for preparing for the Bahrain debut. “When we see a new part brought to the track in March or April, it’s always a component that months earlier was approved in the simulator and wind tunnel,” Matteo Bobbi added, emphasizing the importance of this behind-the-scenes work.

The Italian concluded by saying: “Although Lewis Hamilton’s first impressions have not been officially released, the feedback gathered seems positive. The British driver found the car ‘comfortable,’ something he hadn’t always experienced with Mercedes in the past.” These early comments, although preliminary, represent a solid starting point for the long journey toward a season in which Hamilton and Ferrari aim to play a leading role.