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Can Lewis Hamilton Tame Ferrari? The F1 Icon Faces His Toughest Adaptation Test Yet

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
February 10, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
VIDEO – Lewis Hamilton Reflects on “One of the Best Feelings” of His Life After First Ferrari Test
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Lewis Hamilton has conquered almost everything Formula 1 has thrown at him. Seven world titles, a record-breaking career, and an iron grip on the sport’s modern era. But now, he’s embarking on a challenge that could define his legacy—a move to Ferrari.

The transition from Mercedes to Maranello has sent shockwaves through the F1 world, but while fans dream of a fairytale ending in Ferrari red, experts warn that Hamilton’s adaptation won’t be smooth sailing. Could he face the same struggles that derailed Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren?

Hamilton’s Uphill Battle to Unlearn Mercedes Habits

After 356 starts powered by a Mercedes engine, Hamilton is now undergoing a complete transformation to fit into Ferrari’s unique ecosystem. The Scuderia has wasted no time in immersing him in their philosophy, using simulator sessions in Maranello to systematically erase the ingrained processes he’s followed since 2013.

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But as former Mercedes simulator driver Anthony Davidson warns, no amount of preparation can guarantee success.

“We’ve seen it before. Some drivers just never click with a new team’s controls—be it the pedals, steering, or braking characteristics. Ricciardo never found his rhythm with McLaren’s braking system, and it cost him his seat. Kimi Raikkonen struggled with Ferrari’s steering in 2007 compared to his McLaren days. Sometimes, no matter how hard you work, it never feels like home.”

For Hamilton, the biggest concern is his braking technique. His aggressive, late-braking style has already caused issues with the current ground effect cars. In 2024, it contributed to a 19-5 defeat in qualifying against George Russell, despite Hamilton managing two race victories. If Ferrari’s setup doesn’t cater to his strengths, could he suffer a similar fate to Ricciardo’s McLaren disaster?

Early Ferrari Tests Offer Hope—But Will It Last?

Despite the skepticism, early reports from Italy suggest Hamilton is settling in well. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Brit has given Ferrari’s SF-23 positive feedback, reporting “good feelings” and praising the car’s behavior.

Insiders claim Hamilton may have even found Ferrari’s car more intuitive than the unpredictable Mercedes he struggled with in 2022-2024. And during his first Fiorano test, Italian racing driver Vicky Piria noted that Hamilton wasn’t just easing into his new machine—he was already experimenting.

“Even in damp and cold conditions, he was adjusting the E-Diff, tweaking brake balance, testing different settings. He wasn’t just doing installation laps; he was actively working on getting comfortable. That’s classic Lewis—he adapts fast.”

The Countdown to Australia—Can Hamilton Defy History?

With just weeks until the 2025 season opener in Australia, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Ferrari hasn’t won a title since 2007, and Hamilton knows he’s running out of time to secure his eighth crown. If he clicks with the car, the dream partnership could finally deliver Ferrari’s long-awaited return to glory.

But if the ghosts of Ricciardo and other struggling transfers haunt him, this move could turn into the most frustrating chapter of his career. Will Hamilton thrive in Ferrari red, or will this be the greatest challenge of his legendary career?

We’re about to find out.

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