Lewis Hamilton was greeted with rapturous applause from the fans when he arrived on stage at London’s The O2 as a Ferrari driver on Tuesday evening.
The seven-time World Champion has already been seen in Ferrari colours, taking a previous car for a spin at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya at the end of January, as he continues to get accustomed to his new team.
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He will sample the 2025 model later this week, when the Scuderia complete their shakedown before heading to Bahrain for pre-season testing.
So, how is Hamilton feeling as he gets used to life at his new team?
“It’s such a great night to be here amongst all of you,” Hamilton began, speaking to thousands of fans gathered around him, before picking a word for the year ahead.
“I think the word I’m thinking of is invigorated. I feel so full of life, and so much energy, because everything’s new. I’m just focused on what’s up ahead. I’m so proud to be a part of the team, something new and exciting for me.”
Hamilton posed for photos with fans as he arrived at The O2 arena
Standing alongside Hamilton, Charles Leclerc also shared some thoughts ahead of his seventh season as a Ferrari driver and what he hopes to achieve alongside his new team mate.
“If I have to choose one word, I was going to say fulfilment – fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a Formula 1 World Champion,” he commented. “I think the one that fits better is probably honoured – honoured to be part of this team.
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“It’s been a dream of mine since being a child, growing up with the red dream. I’m living the dream and I’m just super honoured to be part of this team. I’m really, really looking forward to hopefully writing history alongside Lewis.”
Pre-season testing begins in Bahrain next Wednesday, February 26, and lasts for three days. Then the teams have just over a week to tweak their cars before heading down under, with the first race of the season taking place in Australia on March 16.
Hamilton’s record in Melbourne over one lap is impressive, with eight pole positions to his name. But he has only tasted victory at Albert Park twice – most recently in 2015.
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