Formula One great Lewis Hamilton invigorated by Ferrari move ahead of new season

LONDON – Lewis Hamilton said that he felt “invigorated” and “full of life” following a move to Ferrari, as his new car was unveiled in front of some 15,000 raucous fans during the Formula One season launch at London’s O2 Arena on Feb 18.

The seven-time world champion has left Mercedes after 12 seasons to join the Italian giants for the upcoming campaign that starts with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in March.

Ferrari have been ever present throughout Formula One’s 75-year history and the prospect of winning a record eighth drivers’ championship with the Scuderia has clearly proved enticing for 40-year-old British motor racing great Hamilton.

“The word I am thinking of is invigorated because I feel so full of life and so much energy, because everything is new and I’m just focused on what is up ahead,” he said during an on-stage interview in his first public appearance in Ferrari’s traditional red.

“I’m so proud to be part of the team, something new and exciting for me.”

His words echoed those of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who earlier on Feb 18 told reporters that his old rival could be “reborn” at Ferrari where he will join Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton ended his more than two-year wait for a win with victory on home soil at the British Grand Prix in July 2024.

Yet he still finished a mammoth 214 points behind Verstappen in the drivers’ standings as his time at Mercedes – where he won six overall titles – came to a disappointing end.

But Verstappen, bidding to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of five successive drivers’ championships, said joining Ferrari could be the change that Hamilton needs.

“It will provide him with a different scenery, a new motivation,” said the Dutchman.

“And when you have