Hamilton reignites passion with Ferrari: ‘I feel so full of life’

Lewis Hamilton has described his move to Ferrari as "invigorating", revealing that his new chapter with the Scuderia has brought a fresh surge of energy and excitement to his Formula 1 career.

The seven-time world champion’s move to the Italian outfit after 12 years with Mercedes has been one of the most talked-about transitions in the sport’s history, with many insiders almost as excited as Hamilton himself about what the future may hold.

The Briton’s enthusiasm was palpable at Formula 1’s launch event which took place on Tuesday evening at London’s O2 Arena, and where a packed house welcomed Ferrari’s recruit with a thunder of cheers.

“The word that I'm thinking of is invigorating because I feel so full of life and everything is new,” Hamilton told the 15,000 fans in attendance.

The Thrill of Firsts in Life

In a video released by Ferrari on Wednesday, ahead of Hamilton's shakedown run onboard the team's brand-new SF-25, the 105-time Grand Prix winner shared how stepping into a Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time earlier this year evoked feelings he hadn’t experienced in decades.

“I'm really conscious of the fact that there are only a handful of special first times in life: the first kiss, the first date, the first time of school, the first time in the job,” he explained.

“I honestly thought that I'd had all my firsts and nothing was ever going to be new again. And given that I've raced for so long, even I'm surprised at just how much I still love what I do, and it felt so new.

“I remember putting my suit on, getting into the cockpit, and just the excitement that I had was very reminiscent of maybe the first time that I got to step in a Formula 1 car when I was like 21 years old, 20 years ago.

“But this time was different, because I've always imagined what it would be like sitting in the cockpit surrounded by red.”

A Unique Experience

Hamilton described his first encounter with a Ferrari F1 car as unlike anything he has experienced in his 20-year career. From the engine vibrations to the iconic red livery, every detail felt extraordinary.

“It's nothing like the car that I had before over the last 10, 12, 17 years,” he said.

“It's unique in its own, and to feel the vibration of a Ferrari engine for the first time, wow. That's what I think ultimately put the biggest smile on my face.”

Reflecting on the legacy of Ferrari drivers before him, Hamilton expressed how meaningful it felt to join their ranks.

“I'd always seen all the drivers that have come before me in red, and wondered how that would look on me. And it's a real honour to be able to wear this badge and to wear this suit.

“So I hope I swag it out and make it look good,” he added with a laugh.

Excitement for the Tifosi and the Team

Hamilton also spoke about the warmth and passion of the Ferrari team and the tifosi, Ferrari’s devoted fans.

“I’d been waiting such a long time for it, so firing the car up, it's like such a new, uncharted journey, and it's the most exciting thing that's happened to me in as long as I can remember,” the 40-year-old said.

“I knew that I would see the tifosi on the bridge, and to finally get to Turn 1 and see them down there, that was amazing to see. And meeting the team, I was blown away just by the reception and the passion of the people.”

For Hamilton, the move to Ferrari represents more than a career change; it’s a renewal of his love for racing and a chance to embrace new challenges.

With his energy and optimism shining through, this next chapter promises to be as thrilling and inspiring as the ones that came before it.

• Read also: Ferrari shakes down SF-25 war horse at Fiorano

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook