Ferrari Boss Fred Vasseur Hails 'Very Good Shape' of Hamilton and Leclerc Partnership

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur expresses confidence in the partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, saying the team is in 'very good shape'.

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc took Ferrari's 2025 Formula 1 car, the SF-25, for its inaugural spin on Wednesday. The test run occurred at the Fiorano track, attracting a sizable crowd of enthusiastic fans eager to catch a glimpse of the new vehicle. Leclerc, who drove the car first, was thrilled to see the excitement surrounding the test. “We drove the car today and I can see the craziness around the track and that's amazing to see,” he told reporters.

The SF-25 is an evolution of last year's car, and Ferrari is counting on it to secure their first title since 2008, when they won the constructors' championship. With Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, joining Leclerc this season, expectations are high. The team will be looking to build on their runner-up finish last year, and with pre-season testing set to begin in Bahrain next week, Ferrari is gearing up for what promises to be an intense and closely contested season.

Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton. Together in front of the world as Ferrari team mates 😍#F175LIVE @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/sZggxDsxpJ

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 18, 2025

The 2025 Formula 1 season kicks off in Australia on March 16, and Ferrari will be seeking to make a strong start. With the livery launch taking place in London on Tuesday, the team has generated significant buzz. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Hamilton, Leclerc, and the SF-25 as they strive to bring Ferrari their first title in over 15 years.

Lewis Hamilton marked a significant milestone as he took Ferrari's 2025 Formula 1 car for a spin, expressing his excitement about the new challenge. In a video released to coincide with the launch, Hamilton said: “Today is a huge day for me. I knew that I needed something new, I knew I needed this new challenge, I think when I got here I realised just how much I needed it and how great it felt.”

The first Ferrari of the Lewis Hamilton era is here ❤️

How many wins for him and Charles Leclerc in 2025?#F175LIVE @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/sIzpwUacQN

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 18, 2025

Hamilton's enthusiasm for his new team is evident, and he has been thoroughly enjoying his time at Ferrari. He revealed: “And we're literally walking around with a smile, such a big smile on my face every day I come to work, it's very revitalising.” This positivity is a testament to the warm welcome he has received from the team.

Since joining Ferrari, Hamilton has made a concerted effort to connect with the team's employees and immerse himself in the Maranello culture. He started by shaking hands with every employee, demonstrating his signature iron-hard grip. Hamilton has also been adapting to his new surroundings, moving his mobile home next to the house of late team founder Enzo Ferrari at Fiorano. He has established a daily routine that includes a morning run around the track, followed by activities at the factory and in the simulator.

Hamilton has been impressed by the dedication and work ethic of the Ferrari team, often staying late into the night to fine-tune their preparations. He observed: “We've been here until 10pm at night and it's like no one wants to go home. Everyone's just so dedicated and we have such a steep learning curve to come across together so I anticipated obviously that was going to be tough, and it very much is, but we're working towards something really exciting.”

Lewis Hamilton has settled into his new life at Ferrari, reuniting with his long-term trainer and physio Angela Cullen. The Briton has also been keeping the Ferrari chef busy with his vegan dietary requirements. Furthermore, Hamilton is making an effort to learn Italian, although he admits to expressing himself tentatively in the language.

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has been pleased with the dynamics between Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc. Vasseur acknowledged that the early stages of the season often bring a sense of optimism, saying: “At this part of the season, all the teams are world champions, all the teammates are in their honeymoon, and so on and so on.” However, Vasseur expressed confidence in the team's prospects, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong relationship between the drivers and the team. He added: “We are starting in very good shape now. The most important thing is to keep this relationship, to continue to work as a team and to push as a team. But I'm quite confident.”