The brand new journey of Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari has formally begun, and the seven-time world champion appears to already be embracing his new function in pink with enthusiasm. Matteo Bobbi, in his newest video posted on his YouTube channel, shared his ideas on the British driver’s first steps in Maranello and the trail that lies forward of him earlier than his official race debut. Beneath are his phrases.
Wanting again at latest days, Bobbi acknowledged: “Within the final video, we mentioned Lewis Hamilton’s first week in pink, from his arrival in Maranello, to the work he did with the engineers, adopted by his time within the simulator, and eventually, his debut on the Fiorano observe on a foggy, wet, wintery, and chilly day, as is typical right now of 12 months. However it was additionally very heat as a result of the general public’s response was really phenomenal.”
“It wasn’t anticipated to see so many individuals, a lot hype, and a lot want for Components 1,” Matteo Bobbi emphasised, highlighting how the keenness of the followers even moved a driver accustomed to main phases like Hamilton.
Whereas Fiorano supplied an preliminary style, from January 28 to 30, the Ferrari group will head to Barcelona for an important take a look at. On a extra technical and demanding circuit, Lewis Hamilton and the group can have the chance to take one other step ahead of their acclimatization course of. “The Spanish observe is nothing like Fiorano. It’s way more difficult and actual, with quick corners,” defined Bobbi. These exams, a part of the TPC (Take a look at Earlier Automotive) rules, will probably be restricted to a most of 1,000 kilometers per group however will probably be very important for creating the driving force’s reference to the automobile.
For Lewis Hamilton, it is going to be essential to make use of nowadays to get accustomed to the beginning system. Some settings on the steering wheel will possible be adjusted, as as an illustration, the one used at Fiorano was Charles Leclerc’s, with no particular requests from the driving force. They’ll proceed their bonding course of, additionally engaged on the setup and starting to know the driving force’s preferences and what he must carry out at his finest.
Instantly after Barcelona, on February 4 and 5, Lewis Hamilton will probably be concerned in one other vital occasion: the Pirelli take a look at for the event of 2026 tires, this time with a modified SF-24. These two days will full an intense program that additionally contains simulator classes, that are essential for making ready for the Bahrain debut. “After we see a brand new half delivered to the observe in March or April, it’s at all times a part that months earlier was authorised within the simulator and wind tunnel,” Matteo Bobbi added, emphasizing the significance of this behind-the-scenes work.
The Italian concluded by saying: “Though Lewis Hamilton’s first impressions haven’t been formally launched, the suggestions gathered appears constructive. The British driver discovered the automobile ‘comfy,’ one thing he hadn’t at all times skilled with Mercedes previously.” These early feedback, though preliminary, signify a strong place to begin for the lengthy journey towards a season through which Hamilton and Ferrari purpose to play a number one function.