Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, is set to begin an exciting new chapter in his illustrious career after officially joining Ferrari for the 2025 season.

The British driver’s move to the iconic Maranello-based team follows a challenging three-year stint with Mercedes, during which he struggled to find his championship-winning form. Ferrari’s radical new approach for the 2025 car and the team’s structural changes could provide Hamilton with a competitive edge in his pursuit of a record-breaking eighth title.

Hamilton’s first laps as a Ferrari driver are scheduled for later this month at the team’s Fiorano test track, before making his competitive debut at the Australian Grand Prix in March.

With Ferrari narrowly missing out on the Constructors’ Championship in 2024, hopes are high that Hamilton can elevate the Scuderia’s performance to new heights.

The team’s technical director, Loic Serra—himself a recent recruit from Mercedes—has spearheaded significant innovations in car design aimed at improving single-lap speed, an area where Hamilton faced challenges in recent seasons.

The decision to focus on suspension elements such as torsion bars and shock absorbers is seen as a game-changer for Ferrari’s 2025 car. These modifications are tailored to maximize the performance of the new Pirelli tires, potentially addressing one of Hamilton’s key weaknesses: qualifying pace. In the 2024 season, Hamilton was dominated in qualifying by his then-Mercedes teammate George Russell, losing out 19-5 over the course of the year. By enhancing the car’s handling and responsiveness, Ferrari aims to provide Hamilton with the tools to excel in Saturday sessions, where grid position often dictates race outcomes.

Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has also ushered in a broader reshaping of the team’s leadership and technical departments. Former Mercedes performance director Loic Serra and deputy team principal Jerome d’Ambrosio are among the high-profile figures joining the Scuderia, signaling Ferrari’s intent to create a winning environment. Team principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed that the 2025 car will be radically different from its predecessor, incorporating lessons from recent seasons while embracing a bold new design philosophy.

While Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks a new beginning, it also sets the stage for a fascinating intra-team rivalry with Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver, regarded as one of the most talented qualifiers on the grid, will present a formidable challenge to Hamilton. Reports suggest that Ferrari plans to back Hamilton as their primary title contender early in the season, a strategy that could lead to tension between the two drivers. However, both Hamilton and Leclerc will need to work cohesively if Ferrari is to dethrone Red Bull and Max Verstappen, who will be defending his fifth consecutive championship in 2025.

Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari represents more than just a career shift—it is a quest to rewrite history. After narrowly missing out on an eighth title in the controversial finale of the 2021 season, the British driver has been determined to reclaim his place at the pinnacle of the sport. Ferrari’s renewed ambition, coupled with Hamilton’s unparalleled experience, could prove to be a winning combination.

As pre-season testing begins, all eyes will be on Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari machinery and whether the Scuderia’s bold innovations can deliver on their promise. With a multi-year contract reportedly worth over $400 million, Hamilton’s commitment to Ferrari signals a long-term vision to return the team to its former glory. If the early signs are any indication, the partnership could indeed mark the beginning of something extraordinary in the world of Formula 1.