Lewis Hamilton is starting a new chapter in his career after deciding more than a year ago to leave Mercedes. His time with the German team ended on a difficult note, but moving to Ferrari has given him fresh motivation.

After his first laps in the new SF-25 on Wednesday, he’s confident he made the right choice. “100 per cent. I don’t have the slightest doubt or question in my head. I’m in the right place at the right time and it’s a great privilege to be here,” he said, quoted by Sky Sports F1.

To let Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc get a taste of the 2025 car, Ferrari used one of their two allowed filming days. They covered 200 kilometers at the Fiorano track, hoping this car will be a real title contender.

Ferrari hasn’t won a championship since 2008, when they claimed the Constructors’ title—but that same year, Hamilton himself stopped them from winning the Drivers’ Championship, beating Felipe Massa in dramatic fashion. Since then, Ferrari has struggled to return to the top, despite different team bosses and top drivers trying to bring success.

Heading into 2025, Ferrari looks strong. They finished behind McLaren in last year’s Constructors’ Championship, but after fixing a mid-season mistake with their car, they ended the year as one of the fastest teams. If they had figured things out sooner, they might have won the title. Now, with Hamilton on board, they hope to finally break their long drought.

For Hamilton, the goal is clear—winning his eighth world championship and beat his and Michael Schumacher’s record. He believes Ferrari has everything they need to succeed.

“I worked with two World Championship-winning teams before. I know what a winning team looks and feels like. The passion here is like nothing you’ve ever seen.

“They’ve got absolutely every ingredient they need to win a World Championship. It’s just about putting all the pieces together.”

Still, he knows it won’t be easy. Red Bull is still the team to beat, McLaren is improving fast, and Mercedes will want to fight back.

“The competition is fierce and you’ve had great results from other iconic teams,” he said.

“It’s going to be close at the top, but I’ve got a great team-mate. The energy that I’m receiving from the team, there’s magic here.”