Vasseur said Hamilton was the “perfect fit” for Ferrari right now, while Leclerc thought the Briton was joining at the ideal point as the team’s mentality is now stronger than ever, in part thanks to Vasseur’s leadership. No longer in a rebuild, the championship is a realistic goal for Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton sent his Ferrari colleagues into raptures by delivering a speech at the factory… in Italian. Having called time on his record-breaking 12-season stint with Mercedes, Hamilton steps into a completely new and unique culture at Ferrari, effectively the Italian national team. And it is clear that his adaptation is progressing nicely.

Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton says he feels “full of life” and “invigorated” as he prepares to start his new Ferrari adventure this season.