Hamilton reinforces commitment to Ferrari: “If I win a title, I will not retire”

Lewis Hamilton is determined to make his mark at Ferrari. The seven-time world champion has begun his journey with the Italian team, aiming to win a title and making it clear that he has no plans to retire anytime soon, regardless of the season’s outcome. For the British driver, the move to Ferrari is not just a team change but a long-term project and a chance to create history by bringing the Maranello team back to the top of Formula 1.

Hamilton emphasized that his transition to Ferrari is about more than just switching teams—it is a commitment to a project aimed at long-term success. His goal is to build a lasting legacy and contribute to Ferrari’s development, helping improve the car and reinforcing a winning mentality within the team. He also stated that even if he wins a championship in his first year, he does not plan to end his career, dismissing speculation about an imminent retirement.

Moreover, Hamilton has been working hard to adapt quickly to his new environment. Since his official introduction, he has spent time integrating with engineers, mechanics, and other team members. The British driver acknowledged that Ferrari operates differently from his previous experiences at Mercedes and McLaren—something he sees as both positive and challenging.

Focus on the season and learning with the new team

Hamilton’s first contact with the SF-25 was promising, but he remained cautious about assessing the car’s real performance. He emphasized that it is still too early to determine its competitiveness against rivals, as the initial tests were focused on adaptation and understanding the dynamics of the new car.

Key adaptation points for Hamilton include:

• Building rapport with engineers: Each team has its own work methodology, and strong communication between driver and technical staff is crucial for maximizing performance.
• Understanding the Ferrari engine: After years of driving Mercedes-powered cars, Hamilton needs to adjust to the Ferrari engine’s power delivery and characteristics.
• Adjusting his driving style: Every Formula 1 car has unique handling, weight distribution, and aerodynamics, requiring drivers to fine-tune their approach.

Champion’s mindset and determination to continue in F1

At 40 years old, Hamilton continues to show his passion for motorsport. For him, Formula 1 remains a challenging and stimulating environment, and his competitive spirit is stronger than ever. When asked whether he would retire if he won a championship with Ferrari, he was firm in his response—he wants to keep racing because he feels he still has much to contribute to the sport.

Factors influencing his decision to remain in Formula 1:

• Commitment to Ferrari: He wants to help the team re-establish itself as a dominant force.
• Love for competition: Hamilton is still motivated by racing against top rivals like Max Verstappen and his own teammate, Charles Leclerc.
• Pursuit of new challenges: Moving to Ferrari represents a fresh start and an opportunity to prove his adaptability.

Internal rivalry with Charles Leclerc

Ferrari has assembled one of the most talented driver pairings on the grid for 2025. Young Charles Leclerc has already demonstrated his speed and consistency over the years and now has the opportunity to compete directly with one of the sport’s greatest legends.

Key aspects of this rivalry:

• Leclerc knows the team well: As a Ferrari driver since 2019, he is fully familiar with the team’s processes and strategies.
• Hamilton brings experience and a champion’s mindset: With seven world titles, the British driver can be instrumental in the car’s development and strategic decisions.
• Ferrari must manage internal competitiveness: Keeping harmony between both drivers will be crucial to the team’s success.

SF-25 performance and expectations for the season

Ferrari has made significant changes to the SF-25 for 2025, aiming to address weaknesses that hindered performance in previous seasons. Notable improvements include:

• Better aerodynamic efficiency: Reduced drag for improved straight-line speed.
• Upgraded power unit: More power and reliability to compete against Red Bull and Mercedes.
• Refined suspension system: Improved tire management for better race pace and consistency.

Hamilton praised Ferrari’s approach, highlighting the team’s constant pursuit of improvement. He noted that the team does not leave anything to chance and is focused on continuous evolution—one of Ferrari’s strongest assets.

Hamilton’s impact on Formula 1

Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari was one of the most significant driver market moves in recent years. This transition has had widespread effects across the sport:

• Increased media attention: The combination of one of the greatest drivers in history with the most iconic F1 team has attracted global interest.
• Impact on Mercedes: Hamilton’s departure forced the German team to restructure and seek new solutions to remain competitive.
• Growing Ferrari’s fan base: The British driver has a massive following, and his move has brought many new supporters to Ferrari.

What to expect from Hamilton at Ferrari?

Based on his track record and the current state of Formula 1, some projections for Hamilton in 2025 include:

• Estimated race wins: Ferrari has the potential to secure at least 5 to 7 victories during the season.
• Possible pole positions: Hamilton could take 4 to 6 poles, depending on the SF-25’s competitiveness.
• Title contention: If Ferrari delivers a competitive car, Hamilton could be one of the top contenders for the championship.

The 2025 season will be crucial in determining whether Ferrari has truly closed the gap to Red Bull and whether Hamilton can challenge for the title.

Expectations for Hamilton’s future in Formula 1

Hamilton’s statement that he will not retire even if he wins a championship with Ferrari reinforces that he still has unfinished business in F1. Possible future scenarios include:

• Extending his career with Ferrari: If the project is successful, he could continue racing for the team beyond 2025.
• Chasing an eighth world title: Hamilton remains motivated to break the all-time championship record.
• Exploring new roles in motorsport: He has previously expressed interest in staying involved in racing after his driving career ends.

Hamilton’s mindset is centered on challenges, and he sees no reason to leave the sport anytime soon. His commitment to Ferrari is clear, and he aims to be a key figure in the team’s resurgence as a dominant force in Formula 1.