Mercedes Archives - Scuderia Fans https://scuderiafans.com/tag/mercedes/ A site dedicated to the fans of the Formula 1 team Scuderia Ferrari Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:28:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.5 Toto Wolff’s bitter admission about Lewis Hamilton: “I still have to get used to it” https://scuderiafans.com/toto-wolffs-bitter-admission-about-lewis-hamilton-i-still-have-to-get-used-to-it/ https://scuderiafans.com/toto-wolffs-bitter-admission-about-lewis-hamilton-i-still-have-to-get-used-to-it/#respond Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:28:03 +0000 https://scuderiafans.com/?p=111416 Lewis Hamilton, 2025 Ferrari F1

Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton shared one of the longest partnerships in Formula 1 history. Together, they secured eight Constructors’ Championships and six Drivers’ Championships, establishing Mercedes as one of the top teams of the past decade. However, this “marriage” suddenly came to an end when, on February 1, 2024, Hamilton announced his move to […]

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Lewis Hamilton, 2025 Ferrari F1

Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton shared one of the longest partnerships in Formula 1 history. Together, they secured eight Constructors’ Championships and six Drivers’ Championships, establishing Mercedes as one of the top teams of the past decade.

However, this “marriage” suddenly came to an end when, on February 1, 2024, Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari. Wolff then spent an entire year searching for a suitable replacement for the 2025 season—someone capable of inheriting Lewis Hamilton’s legacy and shaping the future of the team.

The final choice landed on one of Mercedes’ young academy talents, Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The rookie joined George Russell in this year’s Silver Arrows lineup. The duo delivered strong results in the season opener in Australia, with George Russell securing a podium finish and Antonelli coming in fourth. Their combined 27 points propelled Mercedes to second place in the Constructors’ standings.

Kimi Antonelli is widely regarded as a natural talent in whom Toto Wolff has placed great faith. Yet, over the past weekend, the Austrian’s attention was focused elsewhere—on Lewis Hamilton.

In an interview with Sky Sports F1, Toto Wolff openly admitted that he still feels disoriented seeing his former driver in red: “It’s still a bit confusing. I look at the timing screens and still think Lewis Hamilton is a Mercedes driver. I still have to get used to it.”

Toto Wolff even likened Lewis Hamilton’s departure to the end of a romantic relationship. A few months ago, he had remarked, “It’s a bit like when you go through an amicable divorce, and everything is fine, and then you see your ex-partner with someone else for the first time!” However, the Mercedes boss also added that seeing Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari red was “exciting,” suggesting that he is gradually coming to terms with the separation.

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Moment of truth: Australian weekend set to address uncertainties of Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes https://scuderiafans.com/moment-of-truth-australian-weekend-set-to-address-uncertainties-of-ferrari-red-bull-mclaren-and-mercedes/ https://scuderiafans.com/moment-of-truth-australian-weekend-set-to-address-uncertainties-of-ferrari-red-bull-mclaren-and-mercedes/#respond Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:12:26 +0000 https://scuderiafans.com/?p=111128 Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, 2025 F1

Here we go. The Australian Grand Prix will provide answers to the unresolved questions from the Bahrain tests, especially those concerning the top teams. For McLaren, all eyes are on the remaining margins of a car widely regarded as the favorite, while the heat will put the new Mercedes to the test. Melbourne will also […]

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Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, 2025 F1

Here we go. The Australian Grand Prix will provide answers to the unresolved questions from the Bahrain tests, especially those concerning the top teams. For McLaren, all eyes are on the remaining margins of a car widely regarded as the favorite, while the heat will put the new Mercedes to the test. Melbourne will also offer valuable insights into Ferrari’s initial setup difficulties, in an examination similar to the one Red Bull will undergo.

McLaren
The paddock unanimously considers the reigning champions as favorites for the season opener. The question is how much of its potential the MCL39 has already shown and what room for improvement remains. This question is twofold, concerning both the aggressiveness of engine mappings, fuel loads, and setups used in testing, as well as the overall development curve of the project. McLaren has appeared more ready than its competitors, with a solid setup foundation. Further gains could come from updates, which Andrea Stella has promised to introduce in the early races of the season, possibly as soon as the opening round.

The MCL39 is an extreme car in many respects, raising questions about whether its bold design choices might lead to reliability issues and other complications. The front suspension, for example, has raised concerns among rivals, including Red Bull’s Pierre Waché, and will need to prove that it does not overly limit agility over curbs or compromise balance adjustments. Attention in Melbourne will also be on the rear of the new car, as some instability observed in Bahrain has led to questions about whether it was an isolated incident or a fundamental trait that could worsen in the Australian heat.

Ferrari
Many rank the Scuderia as the third or fourth strongest team, a prediction that clashes with the optimism and confidence seen in Ferrari’s camp. Technical director Loic Serra has stated that the tests confirmed a match between the data and simulation predictions, with the SF-25 also responding as expected to setup trials. After all, pre-season testing is primarily meant to conduct experiments that help refine simulation models, which in turn are used to perfect the car’s setup.

Australia will provide the first real answers regarding the balance issues seen in Bahrain, with the hope that they were just early-stage flaws in a still-maturing project. The car’s front-end precision will be an asset in Albert Park’s quick direction changes, but the SF-25 must also ensure greater stability when getting back on the throttle. Finally, all eyes will be on Lewis Hamilton, eager to gauge how close he is to the limits of the Ferrari, especially under braking.

Mercedes
For Brackley, one of the main objectives of the 2025 project was to achieve greater rear-end stability and address the chronic overheating of the rear tires, which often ran at imbalanced temperatures compared to the fronts. The Australian circuit will be less demanding on the rear axle than Bahrain, but the hot weather will provide a serious test for the W16. Forecasts predict temperatures exceeding 30°C, compared to barely 20°C during testing, giving the Silver Arrows a valuable proving ground.

Finding a wider operating window would guarantee greater performance consistency throughout the season, a key factor that could make the difference between occasional podium finishes and a genuine title challenge. Another crucial test will be in slow, consecutive corners, a major weakness of last year’s car. In Melbourne, attention will be on turns 3-4 as well as the winding final sector of the track.

Red Bull
During testing, the Milton Keynes team noted progress with the RB21 compared to its predecessor, though still not enough, according to Max Verstappen. The 2025 Formula 1 car continues to struggle over curbs and exhibits unpredictable handling, with sudden balance shifts from one corner to the next and even within the same turn at times.

Albert Park presents an interesting mix of high-, medium-, and low-speed corners, making it a meaningful test for balance. The rain expected on Sunday could be a great ally for Max Verstappen, potentially masking the car’s weaknesses, which is why the difficulty of their build-up to qualifying will be an even more telling factor.

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Toto Wolff’s prediction ahead of Australian GP: Ferrari fourth force behind Mercedes https://scuderiafans.com/toto-wolffs-prediction-ahead-of-australian-gp-ferrari-fourth-force-behind-mercedes/ https://scuderiafans.com/toto-wolffs-prediction-ahead-of-australian-gp-ferrari-fourth-force-behind-mercedes/#respond Wed, 12 Mar 2025 18:54:58 +0000 https://scuderiafans.com/?p=111065 Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF25

With just days to go until the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, McLaren appears to be the benchmark on the grid, while Ferrari could lag behind, possibly as the fourth force. Pre-season testing performances have confirmed the strength shown last year, when the Woking-based team claimed the constructors’ title. Now, according to many […]

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF25

With just days to go until the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, McLaren appears to be the benchmark on the grid, while Ferrari could lag behind, possibly as the fourth force. Pre-season testing performances have confirmed the strength shown last year, when the Woking-based team claimed the constructors’ title. Now, according to many experts, they start as the team to beat.

Toto Wolff: “In race pace, McLaren is clearly ahead, Ferrari is chasing”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has also acknowledged the competitiveness of the British team, pointing to Lando Norris as the driver in the best shape: “After testing, the four top teams seemed evenly matched over a single lap, perhaps with a slight advantage for Lando Norris. In race pace, however, the two McLarens are clearly ahead, followed by max Verstappen, then us and Ferrari chasing.”

Toto Wolff emphasized that the season looks set to be tight, with four teams potentially capable of fighting for the title: “Our ambition is to fight for the championship, and it will be a close battle between four teams that can win. You could be first or eighth.”

The main challenge will be managing the development of the current car without losing sight of the one for 2026, when the new regulations come into effect: “The biggest difficulty will be developing the current car while also focusing on the 2026 one. A lot of flexibility will be needed.” – he pointed out.

Kimi Antonelli: between talent and managing expectations
Mercedes is preparing for its first season without Lewis Hamilton, betting on Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has been promoted directly from Formula 2.

Toto Wolff spoke about the young Italian driver’s growth, warning of the need to manage his F1 debut carefully: “We’ve been with Andrea since he was 11 years old, and since then he has won everything in every single category. He has covered 11,000 kilometers in our old F1 cars. However, when you get thrown into Formula 1 at 18, you have to be careful not to lose your way, which is why we are trying to temper expectations at the start of his journey.”

Toto Wolff’s words confirm the general feeling in the paddock: McLaren could be the team to beat in 2025. With a competitive car in race pace and a Lando Norris in great form, the Woking team has everything it takes to replicate last season’s success.

But with Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes ready to fight for the title, the battle is only just beginning.

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How Lewis Hamilton “betrayed” Toto Wolff on his first day at Ferrari https://scuderiafans.com/how-lewis-hamilton-betrayed-toto-wolff-on-his-first-day-at-ferrari/ https://scuderiafans.com/how-lewis-hamilton-betrayed-toto-wolff-on-his-first-day-at-ferrari/#respond Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:17:10 +0000 https://scuderiafans.com/?p=111033 Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari 2025

Toto Wolff stated that, despite his friendship with Lewis Hamilton, his goal for the 2025 season is clear: to beat Ferrari. The team principal of Mercedes commented on the seven-time world champion’s move to the Scuderia in Maranello, also joking about how Hamilton wore a smart suit for his first appearance at Ferrari after avoiding […]

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari 2025

Toto Wolff stated that, despite his friendship with Lewis Hamilton, his goal for the 2025 season is clear: to beat Ferrari. The team principal of Mercedes commented on the seven-time world champion’s move to the Scuderia in Maranello, also joking about how Hamilton wore a smart suit for his first appearance at Ferrari after avoiding it for 12 years at Mercedes.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marked only the second team change in his long Formula 1 career, after his switch from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013. After more than a decade together, Wolff admitted that seeing Hamilton in red was initially strange, but he has now gotten used to the idea.

“At first, it was strange imagining him with a different color after so many years at Mercedes. But then he arrived, so to speak, with his red suit and his red car. In this fast-changing world, you adapt quickly. Now seeing Lewis Hamilton in red is already a normal thing.” However, on track, there will be no room for sentimentality: “We are still very good friends. Personally, I wish him the best, but on track, I want to beat him.”

Debut in Ferrari and the iconic photo in Maranello
Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari was a global media event. His visit to the Maranello factory and first contact with the SF-25 led to one of the most viral images in Formula 1 history.

The British driver was photographed in an elegant black suit in front of Enzo Ferrari’s house, with his beloved Ferrari F40 by his side. The photo became the most liked Formula 1 image ever on Instagram, accumulating 5.7 million likes.

Wolff joked that for years he had tried to convince Lewis Hamilton to wear a suit, without success: “For twelve years I tried to get him to wear a suit with a tie, and he did it on his first day at Ferrari.” Hamilton, amused, responded: “I’m still not sure I look good in a suit.”

Lewis Hamilton’s outfit was likely a tribute to Enzo Ferrari, who was often photographed in a dark suit and long coat. The image also sparked several online parodies, with figures like Jeremy Clarkson and IWC founder Kurt Klaus recreating the pose in front of their respective offices, amusing the web.

Hamilton ready for debut in Australia
The 2025 Australian GP will mark Lewis Hamilton’s official debut at Ferrari, in a weekend filled with expectations. The seven-time world champion is determined to bring the Scuderia back to the top, while Wolff and Mercedes are ready to challenge him on track.

The season opens with a new rivalry: will the British driver be able to bring the title back to Maranello, or will McLaren confirm its supremacy?

How Lewis Hamilton "betrayed" Toto Wolff on his first day at Ferrari | ScuderiaFans.com

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F1 paddock believes Mercedes hold the edge over Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari after Bahrain F1 test https://scuderiafans.com/f1-paddock-believes-mercedes-hold-the-edge-over-lewis-hamiltons-ferrari-after-bahrain-f1-test/ https://scuderiafans.com/f1-paddock-believes-mercedes-hold-the-edge-over-lewis-hamiltons-ferrari-after-bahrain-f1-test/#respond Sat, 01 Mar 2025 19:24:08 +0000 https://scuderiafans.com/?p=110476 Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari SF-25, 2025 F1

Lewis Hamilton projected confidence during his F1 press conference on the final day of testing, but the closing session may have given him reason for concern. The seven-time world champion expressed that he was heading into the season with “the most positive feeling I’ve had in a long time.” However, Ferrari’s SF-25 didn’t appear particularly […]

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari SF-25, 2025 F1

Lewis Hamilton projected confidence during his F1 press conference on the final day of testing, but the closing session may have given him reason for concern. The seven-time world champion expressed that he was heading into the season with “the most positive feeling I’ve had in a long time.” However, Ferrari’s SF-25 didn’t appear particularly fast or stable as testing wrapped up. Hamilton ended Friday as the sixth-fastest driver overall, but onboard footage painted a troubling picture—he was visibly struggling with the car, reminiscent of his battles with an uncooperative Mercedes last season.

Earlier in testing, Karun Chandhok had suggested that Hamilton was able to “manipulate” the Ferrari in a way that hinted at strong adaptability. However, sheer driving skill won’t be enough if the car lacks outright pace. A key concern is whether the SF-25 struggles in higher temperatures, potentially limiting its competitiveness in key races.

Hamilton had planned to complete a full race simulation under the Bahrain lights but was forced back to the garage due to an unspecified technical issue. Ferrari’s decision to keep the details under wraps has only fueled speculation about potential reliability concerns. Meanwhile, experts in the paddock have been analyzing data and observations to gauge where each team stands—and the early projections aren’t encouraging for Hamilton or Ferrari’s Tifosi.

Does Mercedes Have the Edge Over Ferrari?

Testing pecking order predictions should be taken with caution. Teams still have two weeks before the Australian Grand Prix to fine-tune setups and introduce updates. Additionally, a slow start doesn’t necessarily dictate the season’s outcome—last year, McLaren was 99 points behind Red Bull after five races yet managed to claim the title.

That said, the early consensus places McLaren at the top, with Red Bull following closely behind and Mercedes in third. According to Planet F1’s Thomas Maher, Ferrari finds itself in fourth, just ahead of Alpine and Williams. If these assessments hold true, Hamilton may find himself trailing his former team—an outcome that would be difficult to digest.

Is Ferrari’s True Pace Worse Than Expected?

Hamilton’s switch from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013 turned out to be a masterstroke, as he left just before his old team’s decline and joined a squad on the brink of an era-defining dominance. This time, the move to Ferrari carries more risk. While George Russell has played down Mercedes’ title hopes, it’s unlikely that Hamilton has completely squandered his championship chances by leaving.

Still, testing performance matters. Toto Wolff praised the British driver’s speed earlier in the week, but by Friday, Ferrari’s struggles raised fresh doubts. Alex Brundle described the Ferrari’s handling as “horrid” in the final four hours of testing, particularly with Lewis Hamilton at the wheel. If nothing else, the British driver may have learned exactly which setup directions to avoid in his quest to return to the top.

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Lewis Hamilton reveals key differences between Ferrari and Mercedes F1 team radio communication https://scuderiafans.com/lewis-hamilton-reveals-key-differences-between-ferrari-and-mercedes-f1-team-radio-communication/ https://scuderiafans.com/lewis-hamilton-reveals-key-differences-between-ferrari-and-mercedes-f1-team-radio-communication/#respond Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:02:40 +0000 https://scuderiafans.com/?p=110085 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton is collaborating with Sebastian Vettel’s former Ferrari engineer this season. Fred Vasseur chose to retain Riccardo Adami in his role following the departure of Carlos Sainz. In response, Hamilton reached out to Vettel to inquire about Riccardo Adami, who began his F1 career with Minardi, the predecessor to Toro Rosso. After the team’s […]

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Lewis Hamilton Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton is collaborating with Sebastian Vettel’s former Ferrari engineer this season. Fred Vasseur chose to retain Riccardo Adami in his role following the departure of Carlos Sainz. In response, Hamilton reached out to Vettel to inquire about Riccardo Adami, who began his F1 career with Minardi, the predecessor to Toro Rosso. After the team’s acquisition by Red Bull, Adami worked with rising stars like Daniel Ricciardo before joining Ferrari in 2015, just as Vettel made his move to the Scuderia. Adami supported Vettel for six years, before transitioning to the same role with Sainz.

Over the past decade, the Italian engineer has played a pivotal role in helping his drivers secure 18 race victories—14 for Sebastian Vettel and three for Carlos Sainz. Despite this impressive record, Riccardo Adami has yet to claim a championship title.

At Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton enjoyed an unparalleled driver-engineer partnership with Peter Bonnington, the voice in his ear throughout all six of his World Championships and 84 career wins. When Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari in February, many fans speculated whether Peter Bonnington would join him in Italy. However, Mercedes managed to retain the valuable asset in anticipation of Kimi Antonelli’s arrival.

Now, Lewis Hamilton is working closely with Riccardo Adami during Ferrari’s off-season testing programme. Across four testing sessions in Italy and Spain, Lewis Hamilton has driven Ferrari’s 2023, 2024, and 2025 cars. In an interview with ESPN’s SportsCenter, he shared insights into his adaptation process, emphasizing that Adami’s communication style is significantly different from Bonnington’s. This change is critical, as it directly influences car setup decisions and race strategies. Any miscommunication could derail a race weekend, making the adjustment process even more important.

Additionally, the British driver has mentioned the unfamiliar display on the Ferrari steering wheel, underscoring the challenges that come with transitioning to a new team. Reflecting on the process, he has developed a greater respect for both Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, recognizing the immense effort required to become fully comfortable within Ferrari’s system.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion mentioned feeling very aligned with everyone at Ferrari, but noted that the experience in the car was completely different. He explained that the messages he received were much different from what he had experienced before, and that everything displayed on the dashboard was unfamiliar. The British driver added that the setup of the front and rear was also different, although the goal remained similar. The terminology used, however, was another challenge he highlighted. He expressed that there was much more to discuss, but emphasized that with determination, they were putting in all the necessary work to adapt.

Ferrari fans have humorously poked fun at Lewis Hamilton after a particular moment during the 2025 car test. Former Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell expressed that it would be a “dream come true” if Hamilton were to secure his first race victory in Australia. Such a triumph would mirror Fernando Alonso’s 2010 win at the Bahrain Grand Prix, marking a significant milestone in Hamilton’s career.

However, the British driver has been clear in stating that it may take some time for him to fully unlock the potential of his side of the garage. He pointed out that it wasn’t until just before the summer break in 2013 that he managed to claim his first victory with Mercedes, highlighting the importance of patience when adjusting to a new team and car.

It’s also essential to note that Lewis Hamilton has signed a multi-year contract, meaning that 2025 isn’t a make-or-break season for him. Still, Ferrari fans are optimistic about the team’s prospects this year, particularly given their strong recent form. Moreover, the upcoming 2026 regulation changes add an element of uncertainty to the future, making this season crucial for Ferrari as they aim to maximize their performance.

At 40 years old, Lewis Hamilton is expected to have accumulated substantial track time before the season officially begins. He has already driven the SF-25 during pre-season testing in preparation for the three-day Bahrain test. However, Ferrari fans couldn’t resist teasing Hamilton after he appeared to take a “tea break” during his session, adding a lighthearted touch to the proceedings.

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Jerome D’Ambrosio pinpoints biggest difference between Ferrari and Mercedes https://scuderiafans.com/jerome-dambrosio-pinpoints-biggest-difference-between-ferrari-and-mercedes/ https://scuderiafans.com/jerome-dambrosio-pinpoints-biggest-difference-between-ferrari-and-mercedes/#respond Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:16:29 +0000 https://scuderiafans.com/?p=109984 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

This year, Lewis Hamilton will begin his adventure in red after twelve years with Mercedes. Like him, Jerome D’Ambrosio has also moved from the Silver Arrows to the Prancing Horse of Maranello, where he serves as Deputy Team Principal. It was the Belgian sporting director himself who spoke about the major difference he has noticed […]

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Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

This year, Lewis Hamilton will begin his adventure in red after twelve years with Mercedes. Like him, Jerome D’Ambrosio has also moved from the Silver Arrows to the Prancing Horse of Maranello, where he serves as Deputy Team Principal. It was the Belgian sporting director himself who spoke about the major difference he has noticed between Ferrari and Mercedes in his first months at Maranello.

Who is Jerome D’Ambrosio?

Ferrari’s new hire has extensive experience in motorsport, with roots that go back to the track. He was an F1 driver for two years and raced in Formula E for six seasons. After that, he transitioned into a management role, working alongside Susie Wolff in running the Formula E team ROKiT Venturi Racing.

From there, he returned to the F1 world, where Mercedes hired him to manage the Mercedes Junior Team. Since October 2024, Jerome D’Ambrosio has been working at Ferrari as Deputy Team Principal, also contributing to the Ferrari Driver Academy.

What difference has he noticed between Mercedes and Ferrari?

The former driver and current Ferrari employee highlighted the relationship with the fans, which differs significantly between the two teams. “There is also a difference in location between the United Kingdom and Italy, which creates a major distinction in terms of overall feeling and fan engagement.”

The strong attachment of the fans to Ferrari has certainly been reinforced by the drivers the team has chosen for this season. In particular, Jerome D’Ambrosio worked at Mercedes during the years when Lewis Hamilton was also part of the team.

The Ferrari executive focused on the British driver, who has brought energy and motivation to push to the maximum for 2025. “Lewis Hamilton is truly incredible with people. The team already loves him after just one day.”

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Ferrari’s 2025 F1 car design: Mercedes influence evident amid Lewis Hamilton move https://scuderiafans.com/ferraris-2025-f1-car-design-mercedes-influence-evident-amid-lewis-hamilton-move/ https://scuderiafans.com/ferraris-2025-f1-car-design-mercedes-influence-evident-amid-lewis-hamilton-move/#respond Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:57:36 +0000 https://scuderiafans.com/?p=109955 Ferrari SF-25 rear view, power unit

Hamilton’s Ferrari Era Begins as Team Unveils Bold New SF-25 Ferrari has officially welcomed Lewis Hamilton to Maranello ahead of the 2025 season, marking the start of a new chapter for both the team and the seven-time world champion. With their latest challenger, the SF-25, already hitting the track, Ferrari has made it clear they […]

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Ferrari SF-25 rear view, power unit

Hamilton’s Ferrari Era Begins as Team Unveils Bold New SF-25

Ferrari has officially welcomed Lewis Hamilton to Maranello ahead of the 2025 season, marking the start of a new chapter for both the team and the seven-time world champion. With their latest challenger, the SF-25, already hitting the track, Ferrari has made it clear they are fully committed to delivering a fresh start—designing the car from the ground up to maximize performance in Hamilton’s debut season.

The Scuderia is determined to close the gap in the Constructors’ Championship, where a fierce battle with McLaren is expected before the sweeping regulation changes of 2026. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc hopes the team’s new direction will finally provide him with a machine capable of fighting for the Drivers’ Championship, particularly as Red Bull and Max Verstappen appear more vulnerable than in previous seasons.

Hamilton’s Arrival Brings Unique Benefits, But Leclerc Holds an Edge

F1 legend Gerhard Berger believes Hamilton’s presence at Ferrari brings an invaluable advantage that Leclerc cannot replicate—his immense star power, which could help attract top engineering talent to Maranello. However, Leclerc holds an undeniable advantage of his own. Fluent in Italian and deeply integrated into the Ferrari system, the Monegasque driver may find it easier to navigate internal operations as Hamilton adjusts to his new environment.

Ferrari Introduces Mercedes-Inspired Rear Wing for 2025

Formula 1 teams frequently take inspiration from rivals in their relentless pursuit of performance, and Ferrari appears to have done just that with its latest aerodynamic update. According to Motorsport.com, the SF-25 features a rear wing design reminiscent of Mercedes’ 2024 concept, a potential sign that Ferrari has integrated elements Hamilton preferred during his time at Brackley.

Winter testing presents the perfect opportunity for teams to trial new components, with pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 26 to 28 providing a crucial chance to assess the effectiveness of the update. If the design delivers the expected performance boost, Ferrari will likely retain it as part of their push for championship contention.

Hamilton’s Focused Mindset: ‘Invigorated’ for 2025

For the first time in his 18-year F1 career, Lewis Hamilton will race without a Mercedes power unit behind him, a massive shift both professionally and personally. Adapting to a new team, country, and language—all while carrying the weight of Ferrari’s expectations—adds another layer of complexity to his challenge.

Yet, the British driver remains unwavering in his ambition. When asked about his first season with Ferrari, he offered a single-word response: invigorated. His energy and determination will be key as he takes on the new generation of rivals and aims to secure a historic eighth world title in red.

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Lewis Hamilton highlights key contrast between Ferrari switch and Mercedes move https://scuderiafans.com/lewis-hamilton-highlights-key-contrast-between-ferrari-switch-and-mercedes-move/ https://scuderiafans.com/lewis-hamilton-highlights-key-contrast-between-ferrari-switch-and-mercedes-move/#respond Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:32:50 +0000 https://scuderiafans.com/?p=109901 Lewis Hamilton, 2025 Ferrari F1

Lewis Hamilton seems to be embracing his new chapter at Ferrari, fully immersing himself in the team’s environment as he prepares for the 2025 Formula 1 season. After spending the past few weeks familiarizing himself with his new surroundings, the seven-time world champion appears energized by the challenge ahead. Hamilton recently attended Ferrari’s high-profile F1 […]

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Lewis Hamilton, 2025 Ferrari F1

Lewis Hamilton seems to be embracing his new chapter at Ferrari, fully immersing himself in the team’s environment as he prepares for the 2025 Formula 1 season. After spending the past few weeks familiarizing himself with his new surroundings, the seven-time world champion appears energized by the challenge ahead.

Hamilton recently attended Ferrari’s high-profile F1 75 launch event in London, where the team unveiled their 2025 livery. Standing alongside Charles Leclerc at the O2 Arena fan event, he described the experience as ‘invigorating,’ his enthusiasm evident in every interaction. The transition has been more than just symbolic—behind the scenes, Lewis Hamilton has been hard at work, participating in test sessions at both Fiorano and the Circuit de Catalunya, fine-tuning his approach ahead of the season opener.

Those within the British driver’s inner circle suggest he is more determined than ever, eager to push himself to new heights. However, his ultimate success at Ferrari will hinge on whether the team can provide him with a car capable of mounting a serious title challenge.

Reflecting on the magnitude of this career shift, Hamilton compared his Ferrari move to his 2013 switch to Mercedes. In an interview with Ferrari, he acknowledged that this transition represents a significantly greater challenge—a ‘big leap’ in his own words.

Unlike his move to Mercedes, the British driver is now stepping outside the familiar Mercedes ecosystem for the first time in his F1 career. He’s also adapting to an entirely different culture, as Ferrari is not only a new team but also one based outside the UK. Determined to integrate himself fully, Lewis Hamilton has already been spotted speaking Italian with Ferrari fans and exchanging phrases with his team. He admitted that this cultural shift has been one of the most challenging aspects of his move, making this transition distinctly different from any he has experienced before.

Lewis Hamilton noted that everything at Ferrari felt completely different from what he had experienced before. Reflecting on his past move from McLaren to Mercedes, he acknowledged that while it had been a significant step, there were still familiar elements, such as the Mercedes engine, that provided some continuity.

However, he emphasized that transitioning to the Maranello team and relocating to Italy presented an entirely new challenge. He highlighted the differences in the tools the team used and the language barrier but praised the team’s commitment, describing them as incredibly driven and highly motivated. He added that he was focused on making the most of the testing sessions and was thoroughly enjoying the experience, which he found both exciting and unlike anything he had encountered before.

Hamilton Optimistic as Pre-Season Testing Approaches

Lewis Hamilton is gearing up for a crucial milestone in his Ferrari journey as he prepares to take the SF-25 onto the Fiorano circuit once again, this time for its official launch and a final shakedown before pre-season testing begins. The seven-time world champion has already had his first taste of Ferrari machinery, having completed an initial run at Fiorano in January, followed by participation in Pirelli’s 2026 tyre tests at Barcelona, where he notably set faster lap times than his teammate, Charles Leclerc.

Despite experiencing a crash during one of these sessions, Hamilton has remained positive about the car’s potential. His early feedback suggests that Ferrari has provided him with a strong foundation to build upon as the season opener draws closer. While acknowledging that there is still plenty of work to be done, he appears confident in the team’s ability to fine-tune the SF-25 into a genuine contender.

Looking ahead to the Australian Grand Prix, the first round of the 2025 Formula 1 campaign, the British driver is fully aware that Ferrari’s competitors will have made their own improvements over the winter break. However, he remains hopeful that the team can hit the ground running and immediately challenge at the front, knowing that every detail will be crucial in what is expected to be an ultra-competitive 2025 Formula 1 season.

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Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari: Martin Brundle’s predictions for 2025 F1 championship https://scuderiafans.com/mercedes-red-bull-mclaren-and-ferrari-martin-brundles-predictions-for-2025-f1-championship/ https://scuderiafans.com/mercedes-red-bull-mclaren-and-ferrari-martin-brundles-predictions-for-2025-f1-championship/#respond Mon, 17 Feb 2025 13:28:38 +0000 https://scuderiafans.com/?p=109712 Red Bulll RB20, 2024 F1 race start

Four Top Teams Fighting for the Titles Excitement continues to build ahead of the new world championship, not only for the unveiling of the cars but also for testing, the final step before the real start with the Australian Grand Prix. Unlike in recent years, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of […]

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Red Bulll RB20, 2024 F1 race start

Four Top Teams Fighting for the Titles

Excitement continues to build ahead of the new world championship, not only for the unveiling of the cars but also for testing, the final step before the real start with the Australian Grand Prix. Unlike in recent years, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing due to the lineup changes at three of the four top teams.

Excluding McLaren, the reigning Constructors’ Champion, Ferrari will have seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton as Charles Leclerc’s new teammate, while the seat left vacant by #44 at Mercedes will be taken by rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Red Bull also has a change, with Liam Lawson joining four-time champion Max Verstappen. This balance raises a natural question: Who will become world champion?

The Predictions

Even for former F1 drivers who remain involved in the sport, such as Martin Brundle, now a pundit for Sky Sports, this is a difficult question to answer. Will McLaren finally challenge Red Bull for the Drivers’ Championship after the Anglo-Austrian team’s decline in the second half of 2024? Or will Ferrari and Mercedes make a comeback? And what if none of that happens, with Max Verstappen defending his dominance and claiming a fifth title?

Red Bull and Mercedes

The 65-year-old Brit, who raced in F1 between the mid-80s and 90s, shared his predictions for what promises to be an exciting season: “For the Constructors’ Championship, I think McLaren is probably the favorite,” he said. “Ferrari obviously has a great lineup with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, but Red Bull and, to some extent, Mercedes will be teams with only one real contender. At Mercedes, they have Kimi Antonelli, who we know is expected to be spectacularly good, but as an 18-year-old rookie, he will make mistakes. And Max is utterly dominant.”

Ferrari and McLaren

“I think Liam Lawson will be mentally strong and good enough to be a credible number two, but I believe Red Bull and Mercedes will have just one real contender for the Drivers’ Championship,” he continued. “Ferrari and McLaren will have internal battles, and they might start taking points off each other. But with 24 races in the season, a team can’t start worrying about that before August or September.” – the Sky Sports pundit concluded.

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