Hamilton quashes Ferrari theory ahead of 2025 F1 move

Lewis Hamilton insists that the fact he does not know many Ferrari personnel will not make "a big difference" ahead of his 2025 Maranello switch.

Hamilton will depart Mercedes at the end of 2024 after an illustrious 12-year spell which currently boasts 82 grand prix wins and six world championships, both all-time F1 records for a driver at a single team.

The British driver is not the only Mercedes figure to be heading to Italy however, with Ferrari also signing performance director Loic Serra and driver development director Jerome D'Ambrosio with Simone Resta and Enrico Sampo moving in the opposite direction to Brackley.

Ahead of the move, Hamilton was asked how it felt to have familiar faces already at Ferrari and if it would help the settling in process, but the seven-time champion was not fussed either way.

"I mean, when I moved to Mercedes [in 2013], I didn't know anybody," Hamilton told media including RacingNews365. 

"That was totally fine and I don't think that makes a big difference personally to me. 

"I worked with Loic for many years, so I have a great working relationship with him, and my first number two [mechanic], Jock [Clear], also works at the team. 

"They're the only two I think I know particularly well, as well as Fred [Vasseur, Team Principal]."

Relationship with Vasseur

Hamilton worked with Vasseur during his 2006 GP2 title-winning campaign at ART Grand Prix, and also briefly discussed his relationship with his future boss.

"There is not anything that you don't know," he said.

"I worked with Fred when I was young, in GP2, but I don't remember spending a huge amount of time, particularly with Fred, it was more with the mechanics on the weekends.

"We have a good friendship, and he is another great leader within the sport."