Lewis Hamilton’s Journey with Ferrari: An Exclusive Perspective by Marc Gene

Former Ferrari test driver and current brand ambassador, Marc Gene, shares his unique insights on the integration process of seven-time Formula 1 champion, Lewis Hamilton, within the iconic Maranello outfit.

Hamilton’s Early Days at Ferrari: A Matter of Adaptation

Fresh off the blocks and into the fold at the beginning of the year, Hamilton has been diligently acclimating himself to the team dynamics alongside his teammate, Charles Leclerc. Although he is still in the process of adapting to the team and car, he clinched his first victory in red at the Chinese sprint race – a significant milestone for both him and Ferrari.

Regrettably, this triumph was one of the few highlights for Ferrari during the 2023 season. Leclerc and Hamilton finished the season opener in Australia in eighth and tenth, respectively, and were subsequently disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix due to non-compliance with minimum weight requirements and excessive plank wear, respectively. After a fourth-place finish for Leclerc and seventh-place for Hamilton in Japan, currently stands fourth in the standings with just 35 points.

Hamilton’s Impact on Ferrari: A Closer Look

During an appearance on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Gene sheds light on Hamilton’s integration process within the team and the impact he has made so far. He elucidated: “It’s still early days with Lewis. His victory in China was incredible. I’m just getting to know him, but no one can question his talent. He’s highly experienced, and you can clearly see that he knows what he needs.

This rapid improvement from Melbourne to China, Gene attributes to the challenges associated with joining a new team, especially in the current Formula 1 where testing is not an option. “It takes time to adapt to the dynamics, get used to the steering wheel, and familiarize oneself with the team,” he added.

Despite these initial hurdles, Hamilton has already demonstrated his exceptional skills in briefings, providing valuable insights, and showcasing remarkable tyre management abilities. “I’ve observed some things that are truly exceptional on the telemetry,” Gene revealed. “People may say he won so much because of his team, but now that I’ve seen him, there’s a reason why he won so much.

The Pressure of Driving for Ferrari: A Unique Perspective

Commenting on the pressure that comes with driving for Ferrari, Gene shared: “There’s immense pressure at . No other team in the world requires one to cope with such pressure. However, as a driver, he’ll experience things he never has before – probably his debut in Fiorano, where we had to close the roads. In the end, it’s quite nice.

Hamilton is fortunate to have a strong team supporting him, and Gene believes that he will adapt to the Ferrari world swiftly. “We are ensuring that he adapts to the world very fast,” Gene stated. “We are proud at that he chose not to retire from Formula 1 without living his dream of being part of the family.

As Ferrari prepares for the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, the team looks forward to building on their progress and continuing their journey in the world of Formula 1.