The renowned driver Lewis Hamilton has shared his impressions on his first season with Ferrari, describing it as an emotional rollercoaster. After leaving Mercedes to join the Italian team, the seven-time world champion has experienced a challenging start, marked by ups and downs and a significant adaptation process.
A Volatile Beginning
Hamilton, who has achieved a victory in the sprint race in China, but has yet to step onto the podium in a Grand Prix with Ferrari, prepares for his first Italian Grand Prix at Monza as a Ferrari driver. However, he will face a five-place grid penalty due to a yellow flag infringement in the previous race at Zandvoort. Despite the setbacks, including a complicated qualifying session in Hungary, Hamilton is optimistic. “It’s been an emotional rollercoaster,” he commented in Monza. “I didn’t expect it to be so volatile in terms of feelings, but that’s life.” The British driver added that, despite a “difficult Sunday” in Zandvoort, he feels they are moving towards a more promising future. “I am trying to live in the present and enjoy every moment. This half of the season has passed very quickly,” Hamilton stated. The driver also expressed his excitement for his first race at Monza with Ferrari, recalling his childhood and admiration for Michael Schumacher. “I want to give it my all this weekend to get the best result for the fans, because the passion and support they have given me and the team are incomparable,” he concluded.
Adaptation and Expectations
Hamilton, who joined Ferrari after 12 years with Mercedes, has highlighted the significant differences between both teams. He admitted that both he and Ferrari underestimated the challenge of this union. “There was a lot of adaptation, both on my part and on my team’s part to Ferrari’s. I think they made a great effort to adapt to me,” explained Hamilton. “Obviously, there are cultural differences. I think this year has been difficult for everyone within the team, but I think it prepares us for better days. I am excited and motivated for an uphill battle from here.”
Tribute to Niki Lauda
Ferrari will use a special livery this weekend to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Niki Lauda’s first world title with the team in 1975. Hamilton, who worked with Lauda at Mercedes, will also carry the Austrian’s name on his helmet.When talking about his friend, who passed away in 2019, Hamilton mentioned that he often thinks about the advice Lauda would give him at Ferrari. “His legacy lives on and I know what he would tell me today. He’s always on my mind,” Hamilton said.
