Ferrari utilized one of their two allocated filming days on Wednesday, as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc took the SF-25 for a 200-kilometre test at Fiorano. The session marked Hamilton’s first drive in his new team’s machine, generating significant anticipation ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Hamilton’s Confidence in Ferrari’s Championship Potential
Ferrari’s last championship success came in 2008 when they secured the Constructors’ title, but their quest for further glory has been elusive. Ironically, Hamilton played a role in that history by denying Felipe Massa the Drivers’ Championship in a dramatic season finale. Since then, Ferrari has cycled through multiple team bosses and world-class drivers without achieving ultimate success.
With the SF-25 now unveiled, hopes are high for a title challenge. McLaren edged out Ferrari in last season’s Constructors’ battle, but Ferrari’s resurgence late in the year proved their potential. A mid-season struggle with development briefly set them back, but their recovery saw them competing as one of the fastest teams by season’s end.
Technical Developments and First Impressions
The SF-25 retains the core performance concept of its predecessor, with key refinements such as a switch to pull-rod front suspension to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. Chassis technical director Loic Serra confirmed the move was aimed at expanding development potential as previous configurations had reached their limits.
Hamilton shared his initial thoughts after his first run, telling Sky Italy:
“How’s the car? Good. It’s still early, I can’t say too much, but today we had no problems. It’s my first Ferrari and it’s hard to believe. I am living every moment intensely.”
Hamilton’s Adaptation and Future Goals
Speaking to the media, Hamilton acknowledged that he is still acclimatising to his new environment.
“It’s far too early to know what the year is going to be like. What we do know is it’s going to be very close between the top teams,” he said. “We’ve obviously not been on track with all the other cars, so what I have seen is just to have this team all under one roof is quite a unique experience that I’ve not had before.”
Hamilton highlighted the benefits of Ferrari’s setup, with its track adjacent to the factory offering unparalleled convenience. He also praised the team’s effort in integrating him into the structure seamlessly.
“I’ve only been here a month, so I’m still acclimatising to a completely new car, a completely new way of working, but everyone’s bent over backward to make me feel welcome. I really feel at home. I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
Can Ferrari Finally End Their Title Drought?
When asked directly if Ferrari could win the world championship, Hamilton gave a confident response:
“I worked with two world championship-winning teams before, I know what a winning team looks and feels like. Everyone here, the passion here is like nothing you’ve ever seen. They’ve got absolutely every ingredient they need to win a world championship. It’s just about putting all the pieces together.”
Hamilton credited Ferrari’s leadership, including Fred Vasseur, John Elkann, and Benedetto Vigna, for fostering an ambitious yet pragmatic approach. With meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering determination to improve, Ferrari is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of championship glory in 2025.