Hamilton addresses Ferrari 'rise' ahead of major F1 switch

Lewis Hamilton has reacted to the strong form shown of late by the Ferrari F1 team ahead of his switch next year.

Hamilton will end his long-standing partnership with Mercedes at the end of the current campaign and link up with Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc.

Mercedes has struggled for F1 form since the introduction of new technical regulations in 2022, a period that has largely been dominated by Red Bull.

However, the Milton Keynes-based squad has been caught this year with McLaren and Ferrari looking to claim the constructors' crown.

When asked by media including RacingNews365 if he has been encouraged by Ferrari's form this year, the seven-time world champion replied: “Of course.

“Through the year, the beginning of the year, you know, if you look at somewhere like maybe China already, but the Red Bull was like a second ahead. 

“And it's been quite incredible to see the McLaren rise and then the Ferrari in the last few races, to see their progress and just trying to keep an eye on everyone's car and what they're changing and what they're adding.”

Ferrari has won five grands prix this year - the most since the 2018 season.

As Mercedes looks to round out its tenure with Hamilton in style, the 39-year-old highlighted he is always paying attention to onboard footage from rivals in order to learn.

“We all watch the video, all the drivers, we all watch the onboard laps and we're always trying to see where we can gain time,” he said.

“And there's some cars that just react differently and better or worse in certain areas.

“You're trying to figure out how you can find that within either your balance or get the team to develop the car in that direction.”