EXCLUSIVE: Former Aston Martin Boss Takes Surprising New Position

In an interview with Crash.net, Mike Krack shares his thoughts on unexpectedly becoming a team principal as he reconnects with his Formula 1 beginnings.

Although Mike Krack never planned to become a principal for an F1 team, he ended up serving in that role at Aston Martin for a period of three years.

The individual, aged 52, has a history in engineering within the motorsport and Formula 1 sectors, starting his professional journey as a test engineer at BMW in 1998. In 2001, he moved to Sauber, where he progressed to higher positions.

He collaborated with Felipe Massa in the capacity of a race engineer and subsequently advanced to the position of chief engineer, where he had a close working relationship with Sebastian Vettel before Vettel's first grand prix. Upon departing from Formula 1 at the close of 2009, Krack took on multiple roles at both BMW and Porsche, eventually becoming the head of trackside engineering for Porsche's World Endurance Championship team.

Krack began his journey in motorsport management when he went back to BMW. From 2014 to 2022, he was in charge of their Formula E, IMSA, and GT initiatives. His career path changed unexpectedly when he was contacted by Aston Martin's owner, Lawrence Stroll, who offered him a position with the F1 team.

In a conversation with Crash.net, Krack mentioned that he originally assumed the discussion would be regarding an engineering job. However, he was taken aback to learn that it was actually about becoming the team principal, a revelation that sparked a newfound enthusiasm within him.

Krack clarified during an exclusive interview at the previous year's season finale in Abu Dhabi that people anticipated him to take on engineering responsibilities due to his past engineering roles in Formula 1.

"I spent a significant amount of time in engineering positions, even after my involvement in Formula 1. It was only in the last couple of years that I transitioned into management roles. This shift is what I believe was the primary factor."

During our conversations, I realized it wasn't just about engineering, and I humbly acknowledged, "This is a significant challenge." However, it's also crucial to embrace opportunities when they arise. You have to ask yourself, "Am I prepared to step out of my comfort zone?" There will be many situations where you feel uneasy.

"After spending many years in engineering, you develop a deep understanding of the key elements that contribute to a car's speed and performance. However, when you transition to a team management position, you face a range of different responsibilities."

"As an engineer, there are aspects of this work that I typically overlook, but many elements here are unfamiliar to me."

During his tenure at Sauber, Krack gained crucial insights into the qualities of effective leadership, which prepared him well for his inaugural role as a team principal at Aston Martin.

Krack emphasized the importance of being genuine and trustworthy.

"To begin with, it's essential to show respect to everyone and set an example through your actions. I can't demand that everyone shows up at 8am while I turn up at 10am. Similarly, I can't expect everyone to be ready for the meeting if I arrive without any preparation."

"I believe that setting an example makes leadership more straightforward. I've always looked up to certain leaders from my past who demonstrated this approach, and it's something I've strived to emulate."

Willy Rampf, who previously held the position of technical director at Sauber, along with Peter Sauber, the team's principal and owner, played significant roles in shaping Krack's career.

"A great example is Willy Rampf, who was the technical director at Sauber during that period. Along with Peter Sauber, they both served as a strong source of inspiration for me with their effective leadership," he mentioned.

"Stay composed and proceed steadily, yet decisively. When Peter or Willy declared, 'this is our course of action,' we followed their lead. There was careful planning involved in deciding our next steps, but we didn't frequently alter our path."

"This approach provided us, as the receivers, with a strong sense of security and direction. It was clear: 'Here's what needs to be done, and here's the goal to aim for.' Everyone understood their responsibilities and tasks."

At the beginning of the year, Aston Martin underwent a significant reorganization, which resulted in Krack being appointed as the chief trackside officer. Meanwhile, CEO Andy Cowell took on the responsibilities of the team principal.

The alteration has led to the establishment of distinct teams dedicated to trackside operations and factory tasks, both of which will be under Cowell's supervision. This development follows a decline in Aston Martin's performance over consecutive seasons after an impressive beginning to the 2023 campaign.

Although Aston Martin secured the fifth position in the constructors' championship for two consecutive years, they faced a concerning decline in development, resulting in a less competitive performance last season compared to the previous one.

Although Krack's change in position is essentially a step down, he will be returning to a field he knows well, allowing him to fully utilize his expertise. This transition marks a return to his origins in motorsport, bringing his career back to where it began.

The Ordinary and Unexciting Aspects of Krack

Krack's choice to leave Formula 1 at the conclusion of the 2009 season was influenced by two significant factors.

Krack was frustrated with BMW's choice to halt major development following Robert Kubica's performance in Canada, where he secured a 1-2 finish and took the lead in the drivers' championship.

He viewed that campaign as a prime chance to secure a championship victory. However, BMW had a different approach and decided to focus its resources on the 2009 regulation changes, believing this would offer a stronger opportunity to clinch the title.

In hindsight, it was a significant opportunity missed. BMW lost its competitiveness in the championship race in 2008 and couldn't effectively adapt to the 2009 regulations, dealing them a dual setback.

Another, more intimate aspect was that Krack had a young family.

He explained that taking a break was intentional since he had a young family and didn't want to be absent constantly, so he deliberately chose to pause at that moment.

"After spending nine years with Sauber, I didn't have a strong desire to return because I felt I had already accomplished what I set out to do. When I decided to leave, it was on my terms, and I was at peace with my decision. I wasn't forced out; it was entirely my choice, and I was content and satisfied with my new pursuits."

"It was amazing to witness my children's growth and to be involved in their lives. At the same time, I was managing the BMW motorsports division, and one day I received a phone call. Truthfully, I was enjoying Formula 1 as a spectator on television, with a small timing screen next to me to get a full grasp of the action."

"There wasn't any genuine drive or strategy. I didn't make any effort to reach out to my contacts to return. However, when I received that phone call, something was rekindled within me. I thought to myself, ‘I have to seize this opportunity,’ and that's how I made my comeback."

Outside the world of Formula 1, Krack sees himself as simply "an ordinary individual" who is "modest," "focused on family," and perhaps a bit "dull." He does not put on any airs. He is exactly as he appears.

"Occasionally, when I return between races, people inquire, 'What did you do over the weekend?' I tell them I took my kids to and from school, picked them up from their activities, and went grocery shopping. That's real life," he added.

"I enjoyed a barbecue with friends and took my kids go-karting. I also spent time at the field watching my son play football, and supported my daughter in her pole vaulting events. It's not anything grand, but these are the moments I cherish."

The Formula 1 schedule has reached a record-breaking 24 races, making it more demanding than ever. With increased travel time, whether on the ground or in the air, moments spent at home have become increasingly valuable. This is why Krack prioritizes maintaining a clear distinction between his professional responsibilities and personal life.

Upon returning home on the first day, he mentioned that his family is extremely supportive of his endeavors. They are full of inquiries, asking about his thoughts on the upcoming race and speculating on the car's future performance.

"However, by the weekend, things settle down, and it becomes just an ordinary family."

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F1 drivers reportedly discovered the FIA's revised rules on swearing through media reports.

According to the chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), Formula 1 drivers learned about the FIA's updated misconduct regulations through media reports.

At the beginning of this month, news surfaced that Formula 1 drivers might receive penalty points or potentially even suspensions if they frequently use profanity or openly criticize the sport's regulatory authority, the FIA.

In the most recent update of the International Sporting Code, the FIA outlined the updated penalties for inappropriate behavior.

Adjustments were implemented following an incident where current world champion Max Verstappen was instructed to complete a public service assignment by the end of 2024. This directive came as a result of him using inappropriate language during an FIA press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix last year.

The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has expressed a strong desire to prohibit swearing by F1 drivers.

Former F1 driver and GPDA chairman Alex Wurz stated that the FIA did not seek drivers' input before announcing the changes.

According to RacingNews365, the Austrian stated, "We weren't consulted. We learned about it through the media."

There might be areas where enhancements are possible, and both the FIA and the GPDA are collaborating to address these aspects.

In the United States, the NFL has a system where the players are unionized and actively participate in the decision-making process.

"In this situation, we are not participating. I am uncertain whether the FIA has consulted their own commission for drivers. That's an aspect I am unaware of."

"We should hope that not too many penalties are being issued."

Wurz mentioned that the GPDA hasn't had the opportunity to convene and talk about the new regulations.

"We haven't been able to meet up," he mentioned. "The drivers are currently in a hectic phase, and I don't want to put any additional pressure on them."

"This is part of the regulations and cannot be altered spontaneously."

Naturally, we plan to meet up. Afterward, we'll gather to talk about our plans and decide on our next steps.

"It’s straightforward: avoiding the use of profanity is the wisest choice."

According to information obtained by Crash.net, Wurz's statements that the GPDA was not included by the FIA in the decision-making process are accurate.

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Lewis Hamilton envisions an F1 event that could generate $50 million to support a bid for 2027. Is it possible that Formula 1 will soon return to African soil?

South Africa is still striving to host a possible Formula 1 race and is taking steps to gather $50 million to support this initiative.

Lewis Hamilton, who has won the world championship seven times, has once again expressed his wish for a Formula 1 race to be held in Africa.

In a 2023 interview with ESPN, Hamilton expressed his efforts to advocate for a race in South Africa, stating that he is working behind the scenes to make it happen and hopes it will be realized soon.

"Competing in South Africa and racing on the African continent is a significant aspiration of mine, something I've always dreamed about achieving in my career."

"I'm aware that I have a significant fan base, and I understand that many people are now interested in Formula 1. Behind the scenes, I'm doing everything I can to advocate for it. I'm reaching out to top officials to ensure that we get that race organized."

The effort to include South Africa in the Formula 1 schedule is being led by Gayton McKenzie, the country's sports minister.

McKenzie has announced that talks are underway as they prepare to submit their proposal to be included in the 2027 F1 calendar.

In the meantime, McKenzie aims to gather $50 million and intends to reach out to additional sponsors like Red Bull and Heineken.

According to Bloomberg, McKenzie is optimistic about achieving this goal by 2027.

He mentioned that it's evident people are eager to invest in this venture. Additionally, they've received encouraging information indicating that Holland won't be returning, which means they could potentially acquire that area in 2027.

Where is the South Africa race scheduled to take place? In 2023, South Africa's attempt to organize a Formula 1 grand prix at the Kyalami circuit was unsuccessful.

Efforts to bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time in 32 years are still in progress.

Kyalami is still a leading contender, having last held a race at its specially designed track in 1993.

A different contender is a road race taking place in Cape Town.

Urban circuits are increasingly being included in the Formula 1 schedule, with the latest being events in Miami, Las Vegas, and a fresh street race set to take place in Madrid.

The city of Johannesburg is also being considered.

Apart from South Africa, Rwanda has shown a desire to be included in the schedule.

Nevertheless, this seems improbable due to worries about capacity and infrastructure.

McKenzie has made a strong commitment to return Formula 1 racing to the African continent.

He stated, "If I don't succeed in bringing Formula 1 to South Africa, I will have failed in my role as Minister of Sports." He emphasized, "Formula 1 will come to South Africa, no matter what it takes."

A race held in Africa might encourage Hamilton to extend his career past 2026 and achieve another of his aspirations.

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Ferrari addresses claims regarding a 'problem' with Lewis Hamilton

Piero Ferrari has dismissed doubts about Lewis Hamilton's skills in Formula 1.

Piero Ferrari, son of the iconic Ferrari creator Enzo, has downplayed any doubts regarding Lewis Hamilton's skills as he approaches the 2025 F1 season.

The seven-time world champion faced a challenging last season with Mercedes, where he was consistently outshone by his teammate George Russell during both the qualifying sessions and the races.

He secured victories in two races but ended up with his poorest result in the drivers' championship, finishing in seventh place, trailing behind Russell.

Questions have arisen regarding Hamilton's capabilities, especially concerning his performance in single-lap scenarios, prompting speculation about whether he may have surpassed his prime.

Martin Brundle, a commentator for Sky Sports, recently proposed that while Hamilton may have lost some of his sharpness, he still has the potential to secure an unprecedented eighth world championship title with Ferrari.

Despite these concerns, Ferrari dismissed them, asserting that the 40-year-old British individual is in "excellent condition."

"[Hamilton] is in excellent health and is both physically and mentally fit. I don't believe age poses any issue," he mentioned to the Italian magazine Autosprint.

He took on the challenge with great excitement, showing belief in his own skills.

Hamilton's Reception at Ferrari Leaves Team Astonished

The Ferrari team expressed their surprise over the enthusiastic reception Lewis Hamilton received upon his initial arrival at the well-known Maranello headquarters.

Approximately 1,500 Tifosi supporters gathered around the boundary of Ferrari's Fiorano testing circuit to see their new star in action during his first track appearance with the team last Wednesday.

"I was genuinely astonished! The sheer intensity of the passion overwhelmed me," remarked Ferrari.

The crowd gathered on the small bridge above the Fiorano track, spilling over onto the bike path, showcased a heartfelt display of admiration. It was truly wonderful!

"When he arrived in Fiorano, I went to welcome him. From the car windows, he noticed the fans who were eagerly waiting for him, and he felt both happy and surprised."

Ferrari was captivated by Hamilton's fashion sense. On his inaugural day with the new team, Hamilton arrived dressed in traditional Italian men's fashion, sporting a pinstripe suit paired with a double-breasted overcoat.

Ferrari commented, "I can't recall any other drivers being so graceful on their debut day with the team."

"A flawless suit, a necktie, a drawing. As managers, we, for instance, weren't wearing ties…"

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Lando Norris believes he's capable of securing the 2025 F1 championship after addressing his confidence challenges. Norris discusses how he has dealt with his self-assurance problems and feels prepared to compete for the F1 title in 2025.

Lando Norris believes he now possesses the "confidence" necessary to secure the F1 drivers' championship this year, having previously faced challenges with his self-assurance.

In 2024, Norris emerged as the strongest competitor to Max Verstappen, but he was unable to extend the championship battle to the final race in Abu Dhabi.

Even though McLaren moved ahead of Red Bull in the rankings, Norris couldn't take advantage of having a better car.

During a conversation on a BBC podcast, Norris candidly shared that he faced challenges with self-assurance in the past, a hurdle he has managed to surpass lately.

"I have faced challenges with self-assurance before," he admitted.

"I believe that over this season, I've gained enough experience to say, 'I'm sure I have the skills needed to win a championship next year,' and I'm ready to challenge anyone who wants to compete with me for it."

Norris has gained insight from his past errors. However, the unsuccessful attempt at securing the title wasn't solely due to Norris' actions.

In Canada and Britain, McLaren made strategic errors that probably prevented him from winning.

During the race in Canada, McLaren did not anticipate the deployment of the Safety Car while they were in the lead.

At Silverstone, McLaren decided to mimic Lewis Hamilton's strategy by fitting him with soft tires, even though the more long-lasting tires would have been a better choice.

Despite his strong performance against Verstappen in Austria, his weak starts in Hungary and Italy prevented him from narrowing the Dutch driver's lead.

Looking back on the moment when last year’s title hopes slipped away, Norris expressed his feelings, saying, “It’s difficult to accept when you come to terms with the fact that ‘it’s no longer possible.’ Racing has been my life since childhood, and it’s my passion. Therefore, when that dream fades and it’s finished, it’s painful.”

Despite the challenges, Norris feels a sense of pride regarding his performance throughout the 2024 season. He is eager to apply the insights gained this year as he looks ahead to the 2025 season. Reflecting on the past year, he expresses satisfaction with how he has managed to perform admirably under significant pressure and deliver results when it counted.

"I have made errors, but I have also gained a lot of knowledge from them. As we look ahead to next year, we're confident in saying, 'We possess the necessary skills and the right vehicle.' I trust in my abilities as a driver and feel fully equipped for the challenge."

"I'm looking forward to entering 2025 with the knowledge that I've gained and the improvements I've made, feeling prepared to take on any challenge."

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Christian Horner has been acknowledged for his commendable management during a challenging 2024, receiving praise from a former Formula 1 team leader for his efforts in navigating what was described as the most trying year of his life.

According to Guenther Steiner, Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull's Formula 1 team, should be acknowledged for the way he managed what Steiner described as the most challenging year of his life.

Before the 2024 season kicked off, Horner found himself at the center of controversy after a woman accused the 50-year-old British individual of behaving inappropriately and exerting control. After conducting an investigation, the board at Red Bull dismissed the allegations, and Horner was absolved of any misconduct.

Horner was tasked with managing a challenging season for Red Bull, marked by internal political disputes, struggles with development, and problems with performance during races.

Despite Red Bull falling to third in the constructors' championship, mostly due to Sergio Perez's poor performances, Max Verstappen managed to secure his fourth consecutive world championship title.

Ex-Haas team boss Steiner thinks Horner should be commended for his adept management of challenging circumstances at Red Bull.

Steiner expressed to GPBlog that he believes the year 2024 will be remembered by him as one of the most challenging and difficult years of his life due to all the events that took place. He emphasized that the individual deserves recognition for enduring such hardships.

"He consistently defended it. We haven't even discussed the early part of the year or his personal matters, but as the situation unfolded, it became evident that the team favored one particular driver."

"They were unable to retain the Constructors' World Championship title since they only had a single car available."

"They were up against a McLaren team that had two highly skilled drivers. While I'm not suggesting that Checo [Perez] lacks talent, last year, he did not perform at that level. We need to acknowledge this."

"Previously, he was an excellent driver who secured victories in races. However, his performance declined last year. Ultimately, they had to address the situation, yet it was clearly a challenging year for maintaining team cohesion."

Challenging to Find Newey's Successor

Red Bull faces a major shake-up as they prepare for the 2025 season, with the notable exits of some crucial team members. Renowned designer Adrian Newey is set to move to Aston Martin, while Jonathan Wheatley, the sporting director, will leave to take on the role of team boss at Sauber.

According to Steiner, the difficulty Red Bull encounters in seeking replacements should not be overlooked.

"Clearly, they had some individuals leave," he mentioned.

"They have lost Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley, and now they are also set to lose strategy engineer Will Courtenay to McLaren. All of these individuals are highly skilled professionals."

"Although Red Bull has a strong backup team, the individuals involved have been part of the organization for quite a while."

"They understand all the details, and while introducing fresh talent can be beneficial, finding a replacement for someone like Adrian won't be easy."

"However, only the future will reveal what Christian can achieve with this, though it seems that his situation isn't becoming any simpler right now."

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George Russell discusses how Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton have motivated him. He notes that Hamilton was 29 years old when he began his successful run with Mercedes, while Schumacher was in his early 30s during his dominant period with Ferrari.

George Russell is drawing motivation from Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher as he embarks on a "new chapter" in his Formula 1 journey.

After Hamilton's choice to join Ferrari in 2025, Russell will take the lead for Mercedes in the upcoming years.

Eighteen-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be teamed up with Russell, who will carry most of the duties.

Next month, Russell will celebrate his 27th birthday and believes he is well-positioned to guide the team into the future.

In an interview featured on Mercedes' official website, Russell mentioned that Hamilton was 29 and Schumacher was in their early 30s when they began to excel in the sport.

"I am moving into a different phase of my career. I am concluding the initial stage and stepping into the middle phase," Russell stated.

At the age of 29, Lewis began his successful run with Mercedes, securing numerous championships. Similarly, Michael was in his early 30s when he achieved great success at Ferrari.

In today's world, people seem to begin their careers earlier and earlier—I made my first appearance when I was 20. However, I now feel prepared to take on responsibilities within the team. The key aspect of this is driving as fast as I can, and I believe I am well-positioned to accomplish that.

"I plan to keep learning, stay open-minded, and never assume anything. You either possess speed or you don't, but it's certain that the newcomers will be fierce competitors."

Russell acknowledges his position in Formula 1.

Five newcomers will join the Formula 1 lineup in 2025.

Antonelli has taken over Hamilton's position at Mercedes, and Oliver Bearman is set to start his full-time career with Haas in 2025.

Isack Hadjar is representing Racing Bulls, while Gabriel Bortoleto has been chosen to drive for Sauber, taking the spot instead of Valtteri Bottas.

The last newcomer among the drivers, making his debut, is Jack Doohan, who races for Alpine.

Russell ranks among the most seasoned drivers in the lineup and serves as the leader of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), an influential group that advocates for drivers' interests.

Russell acknowledged that he sees himself as the more seasoned driver.

"There are numerous talented young drivers entering the racing scene, which serves as a reminder that you are no longer the youngest one around."

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Formula 1 teams will encounter more stringent tests for flexible wings in 2025. The FIA plans to implement new measures to curb the use of flexible wings in the upcoming F1 season.

According to reports, Formula 1 teams will encounter tougher tests for flexible wings in the 2025 season.

As reported by the Italian outlet AutoRacer, the FIA, which oversees Formula 1, has released a preliminary technical directive detailing how the tests for flexible wings will be made more stringent.

According to The Race, these evaluations are scheduled to take place during the Spanish Grand Prix in June, which is the ninth event of the 24-race calendar for the 2025 season.

The FIA is committed to closing any gaps in the rules that enable the use of flexible wing tricks.

According to an insider speaking to The Race, they would be astonished if teams could experiment with flexible wing designs to the same extent as in the past.

The rules for front wing flexibility are detailed in Article 3.15.4, which specifies: "When force is evenly applied to both sides of the vehicle, the vertical movement cannot exceed 15mm."

When pressure is exerted on just one side of the vehicle, the vertical movement should not exceed 20mm.

"Under no circumstances should the trailing edge of any front wing flap bend beyond 5mm when subjected to a force of 60 newtons."

The updated TD18 is believed to decrease the allowable measurement from 15mm to 10mm.

Ongoing Debate Over Flexi-wing Continues

As last season drew to a close, the discussion surrounding flexi-wings became a hot topic.

The FIA requested McLaren to modify their rear wing prior to the Singapore Grand Prix after other teams raised concerns about its compliance with regulations.

Footage captured by the onboard camera in Oscar Piastri's vehicle seemed to reveal a section of the McLaren's rear wing shifting while traveling at high speed during his win in Azerbaijan.

Ferrari's team leader, Fred Vasseur, expressed his annoyance over what he viewed as a clear-cut situation regarding McLaren's so-called 'mini-DRS' tactic.

In Singapore, Vasseur mentioned that there seems to be some misunderstanding regarding the events involving the front wing and the rear wing.

The front wing is considered a potential area of ambiguity, as everyone concurs. The initial section of the Technical Directive states that car components should not be designed with the goal of them deforming. The concept of intention, however, is challenging to regulate.

"The situation with the rear wing is entirely distinct because the article specifies a maximum deflection, which is unequivocal. There are no shades of grey here, neither dark nor light. It's a straightforward matter, and to me, it's unmistakably clear."

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Christian Horner refutes claims that Max Verstappen influenced Johnny Herbert's dismissal.

"You must choose between being on the regulatory side of sports or being part of the media; you cannot be involved in both."

Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull team, has rejected claims that Max Verstappen influenced the FIA's choice to remove Johnny Herbert from his position as one of their stewards before the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Earlier this week, the FIA revealed that Herbert would cease to serve in the role of a steward.

The governing body of Formula 1 mentioned that Herbert is continually involved in media activities, where he frequently provides comments and expresses his views on F1 topics on websites associated with gambling.

Herbert expressed disapproval of Verstappen's performance during the Mexico City Grand Prix the previous year, where the Dutch driver received two penalties of 10 seconds each due to incidents involving Lando Norris.

Max Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, was annoyed by the remarks aimed at his son and responded through the press.

Herbert argued that he could share his opinions as a pundit while also serving as a steward, but the FIA has decided to intervene before the start of the upcoming season.

Horner stated to Sky during the Autosport Awards that the decision is entirely unrelated to Max, yet it is undoubtedly the correct one.

"It's not acceptable for stewards to be employed within the media industry. You won't find this in the Premier League or any other professional sports sector. It's completely unsuitable."

"You must choose between working in sports regulation or being involved in the media; you can't simultaneously be part of both areas."

Herbert has taken on a new position in motorsport. Following the news of his exit from the FIA, it was disclosed that he will serve as the global ambassador for Lola.

Lola has made a return to international motorsport by participating in Formula E, the all-electric racing series overseen by the FIA, in 2025.

In a statement, Lola revealed that the 1991 Le Mans champion and three-time Grand Prix victor has come on board to share his knowledge with Lola Cars. The company aims to widen its influence in top-tier motorsport and advance the development of sustainable racing in the future.

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The son of Enzo Ferrari has stated that Lewis Hamilton has had a persistent "ambition" to drive for Ferrari.

Piero Ferrari, the son of Enzo Ferrari, has disclosed that Lewis Hamilton has had a longstanding ambition to drive for the Ferrari Formula 1 team.

After spending 12 years with Mercedes, seven-time world champion Hamilton has made a major move to Ferrari and is preparing for his first season with the renowned Italian team's iconic red livery.

Last week, Hamilton made his inaugural visit to Ferrari's renowned Maranello headquarters, calling the experience a "dream," before he took to the track to test drive a 2023 car for the first time.

Lewis Hamilton's Interest in Ferrari

During a discussion with the Italian magazine Autosprint, Piero Ferrari recounted Hamilton's initial experience at Ferrari when he acquired a supercar from the brand.

"He first visited us in 2014 when he purchased a LaFerrari. He dedicated considerable time at the factory to learn about personalizing it," he mentioned.

As evening approached, he greeted me, and I inquired if he would like to join me for dinner.

He was full of energy, and I found him to be an exceptionally likable individual, unlike most people.

"On other occasions, he returned and primarily engaged in conversations with those responsible for managing the commercial aspects."

Ferrari elaborated that he had ongoing discussions with Hamilton throughout the years, disclosing that the 40-year-old British driver had consistently shown a "desire" to compete for the Scuderia.

“We chatted and shared laughs from time to time over the years,” he mentioned.

He mentioned on multiple occasions that he wanted to join us in racing, but he was committed to Mercedes, and we were committed to our own team members.

"The opportunity for negotiations finally presented itself to both Lewis and us, leading to the signing of the agreement."

Hamilton is aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth world championship title while racing for Ferrari.

Achieving this accomplishment would not only break Ferrari's 16-year drought for a world championship but also allow Hamilton to surpass the legendary Michael Schumacher, the most successful driver for the Scuderia, in the historical records of Formula 1.

In 2025, he will team up with Charles Leclerc and compete in his first race for Ferrari on March 16 during the Australian Grand Prix, which marks the beginning of the season.

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He is often on-site to provide firsthand reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Lewis Hamilton speaks out for the first time following a crash involving a Ferrari. The driver is looking forward to the start of the 202

Lewis Hamilton has issued his initial public remarks following his accident involving a Ferrari during a test session.

He shared on social media his excitement for the F1 Australian Grand Prix, which will kick off the 2025 season and mark his first race with Ferrari.

This week, he faced a slight setback in transitioning from Mercedes to his new team, as he ended up crashing a 2023 Ferrari, cutting short his third day of testing.

This also resulted in Charles Leclerc being unable to participate in the scheduled driving session later on Wednesday.

Hamilton experienced a small accident but came out without injuries, and Ferrari remained unconcerned by the incident.

Check out this Instagram post from Lewis Hamilton, where he shares an update with his followers.

Hamilton shared a straightforward message, "I can't wait for the first race," marking his initial post following the Ferrari crash.

He additionally shared a collection of previously unreleased photographs from his time with Ferrari.

Hamilton is aiming to win an unprecedented eighth Formula 1 drivers' title this year, racing for Ferrari.

It represents the alliance between the driver with the most victories in Formula 1 and the team with the greatest achievements in the sport.

Hamilton is parting ways with Mercedes, the team that supported him in winning six out of his seven championships. However, for the past three years, they have not provided him with a car capable of securing another title.

Last year, Ferrari secured victories in five grand prix races and secured the runner-up position in the constructors' standings, providing Hamilton with optimism about competing at the forefront.

The conflict kicks off in Australia from March 14 to 16.

This is a race where Hamilton, as well as Ferrari, usually perform very well.

However, prior to participating in any races, Hamilton is set to return to driving next week.

The two Formula 1 drivers from Ferrari are set to participate in testing Pirelli tires on a 2024 version of their vehicle in Barcelona.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a range of events including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Ralf Schumacher expresses his regret about being compared to his brother Michael, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion.

Ralf Schumacher has shared his experiences about the challenges he faced in carving out his own successful career in Formula 1 while being Michael Schumacher's brother.

The German driver, aged 49, competed in Formula 1 over a span of 11 seasons from 1997 to 2007, participating in 180 races with the teams Jordan, Williams, and Toyota.

During that period, Schumacher secured six grand prix victories and stood on the podium 27 times, yet he never quite achieved the legendary accomplishments of his brother, who is a seven-time world champion.

In a conversation with The Times, Schumacher expressed that he always struggled with feelings of inadequacy.

He says that his father advised him to choose a different career path, as he would never be able to match Michael's achievements.

"Schumacher remarked that it feels like others view you in a way where none of your actions seem satisfactory."

"My family isn't particularly interested in motor racing. My dad isn't a fan; he enjoys fishing more."

"Despite Michael's success, my father consistently advised me, 'Try pursuing a different path.'"

"He wished for me to pursue a career as a chef, considering it a respectable profession, unlike motor racing, which he believed wouldn't be financially rewarding."

"While Michael was competing in Formula 1, my dad insisted, 'No, no, don't even think about it. He was incredibly fortunate. Having one successful son is incredible, but two will never happen. You should pursue a different path.'"

In the previous year, Schumacher publicly announced that he is gay, marking him as the most prominent driver in the sport's history to make such a revelation.

Michael Schumacher's brother has remained away from public view following a serious brain injury he sustained during a skiing accident in December 2013, which led to him being placed in a medically induced coma.

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He often provides on-site reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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