Lewis Hamilton felt the electric excitement of Ferrari fans as he and teammate Charles Leclerc sped around Milan’s Piazza Castello on March 6, 2025, marking the countdown to the start of the Formula One season. Approximately 35,000 dedicated tifosi, the passionate supporters of Ferrari, gathered to watch Hamilton perform smoking tire burnouts as he revved the city streets with roaring engines. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, setting the stage for the much-anticipated season.
Hamilton drove the iconic 2021 SF21 car, whereas Leclerc took the wheel of the SF90, the vehicle he proudly piloted to his first victory with Ferrari back in 2019. Both drivers showcased their talents simultaneously, thrilling the crowd as they passed each other on the historic streets of Milan. "I’ve seen the tifosi over the years for Sebastian [Vettel], Fernando [Alonso], and Charles [Leclerc], so I wasn’t surprised by today’s excitement,” said Hamilton, reflecting on his experience engaging with the fans. He expressed his admiration for their passion, adding, "Bit by bit I’m getting to see more and more of the tifosi and getting to know them a little bit more.”
At 40 years old, Hamilton embarks on this new chapter with Ferrari, having transitioned from his impressive tenure at Mercedes, where he won seven World Championships. With the Australian Grand Prix set to kick off the season on March 16, Hamilton is eager to prove himself worthy of the iconic red car. He mused on the significance of racing for Ferrari, stating, "Just driving for Ferrari is a huge honor... I know the tifosi are dying for [a championship]," underscoring the immense pressure and expectation placed upon him.
The upcoming season promises to be challenging for Hamilton. Despite his extensive experience, the road to adapting to Ferrari's unique car philosophy is steep, especially as early pre-season testing has indicated he may be lagging behind his teammate Leclerc. Helmut Marko, Red Bull's prominent advisor, has voiced skepticism about Hamilton’s ability to thrive under these new circumstances. He suggested Hamilton's transition could quickly turn disastrous if he fails to match Leclerc’s pace, stating, "According to our calculations, Ferrari is the third strongest team... Leclerc was clearly faster than Hamilton.”
Leclerc, who has firmly established himself within Ferrari since 2019, is not just Hamilton's teammate but also his biggest competitor. The Monegasque driver’s victory at the Monaco Grand Prix last year, where he started from pole position, has positioned him favorably as he heads both for his first title and against Hamilton's legacy. Striving for greatness, Leclerc stated, "It motivates us so much... the passion just makes everything and the energy so much more positive.”
This rivalry is only heightened with the documentary series, Formula 1: Drive to Survive, which returns for its seventh season. Executive producer James Gay-Rees has anticipated heightened drama as Hamilton's Ferrari adventure promises viewers thrilling competition. “To have the chance to refresh and reinvigorate your appetite... is brilliant,” he noted, emphasizing the intrigue surrounding Hamilton and Leclerc’s rivalry. Gay-Rees remains optimistic about what the two drivers might achieve together on the track, stating, “I would love Ferrari to be super-competitive. It would be amazing if those guys were mixing it up for the big one.”
Despite all these expectations, Hamilton must also battle the mental aspects of his monumental shift to Ferrari. Having spent years at the heart of Mercedes' success, he now confronts the realities of competing with teammate dynamics where he might not lead. Mental resilience will be key; Hamilton must strike the right balance between hope and pressure. Marko believes this could test Hamilton's commitment: “We know Hamilton can improve miraculously, but if he does not see potential for winning, his motivation drops.”
The 2025 Formula One season is set to be defining for Hamilton and Ferrari alike. The pressure to adapt quickly is not just Palmer's expectation; the world is watching. Will Hamilton capitalize on the extraordinary historical precedence and chemistry with Ferrari or will this bold move become his greatest challenge? The upcoming race weekend at the Australian Grand Prix will prove pivotal as Hamilton attempts to blend seamlessly with the formidable team dynamic.
The excitement of the audience is palpable, with Ferrari hoping to reclaim championship glory not seen since 2008. With Hamilton seeking his eighth title, the stakes have never been higher. “That's what we work toward,” Hamilton concluded. The Australian Grand Prix on March 16 might just be the beginning of something spectacular—unless it shifts toward frustration and unfulfilled potential for the British champion. With anticipation building, only time will reveal whether Hamilton will emerge triumphant or grapple with the challenges of his past and present.